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Reconstruction of calvarial and scalp defects using anterolateral thigh free flaps: A case series

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European Journal of Plastic Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

Regardless of underlying cause, calvarial and scalp reconstruction can be a challenging task. With increasing defect size, the local options also decrease, and in moderate to large sized defects, a free flap reconstruction is usually required. Since 2007, we have used the anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap as our flap of choice, and we present our results with this flap.

Methods

The study was a retrospective case series in a university hospital setting. All patients who had this procedure performed were included until October 2014, and their data was retrieved from electronic patient records.

Results

In total, eight patients were reconstructed with an ALT flap for calvarial (six) or scalp (two) reconstruction. The flaps used were fasciocutaneous (four), myocutaneous (three), and adipofascial (one). All patients were male with a mean age of 59 years. The median flap length was 22.5 cm and median flap width was 8 cm. All flaps survived. One patient was offered a revision procedure because of color mismatch, but this was cancelled as the patient requested hair transplantation in a private setting. No donor site morbidity was noted in any of the patients.

Conclusions

The ALT flap is very versatile and can be harvested in a number of different ways according to defect requirements. It has minimal donor site morbidity and is the optimal flap option for calvarial and scalp reconstruction, although still insufficient regarding to color mismatch and lack of hair.

Level of Evidence: Level V, therapeutic study

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Ethical standards

This study was performed as a retrospective case series and, therefore, approval from the regional ethics committee was not necessary.

Conflict of interest

Navid Mohamadpour Toyserkani and Jens Ahm Sørensen declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Patient consent

Photographs where patients are identifiable have been used after obtaining informed consent from the patient.

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Correspondence to Jens Ahm Sørensen.

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Toyserkani, N.M., Sørensen, J.A. Reconstruction of calvarial and scalp defects using anterolateral thigh free flaps: A case series. Eur J Plast Surg 38, 97–102 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00238-015-1069-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00238-015-1069-2

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