Subtotal Scalp Reconstruction After Traumatic Avulsion

Abstract

We present the case of a 19-year-old female who suffered traumatic avulsion of the entire scalp while working with textile industrial machinery and present a pertinent review of the anatomy of the scalp.

Variation in large ectocranial lesions from pre-Columbian Kuelap, Peru

“…However, while scalping has been associated with historic warfare and violence as a means of 'counting' coup or taking trophies, there have been accidental cases (Ortner, 2003;Preis et al, 2007), or other less violent reasons for removing a portion of the scalp that may have had a surgical or therapeutic purpose (Toyne, 2011b). With the overlying scalp removed, the periosteum may be damaged and lead to necrosis of the underlying normal skull tissue (without this protection and vascular supply).…”

Microsurgical Replantation for Child Total Scalp Avulsion

“…Blood supplies of these organs are based largely on the paired vessels of supratrochlear, supraorbital, superficial temporal, posterior auricular, and occipital branches of the external carotid artery. 20 On account of the abundant anastomoses, the scalp could survive with only 1 pair of the arteries and heal uneventfully. 6,15,18 Among all the above vessels, the superficial temporal vessels are regarded as the most suitable vascular pedicle for scalp revascularization.…”

“…20 If the anastomosed vessels are narrowed and blocked, the viability of the whole scalp will be impaired. In our case, most of the replanted deep soft tissues including the periosteum survived and covered the exposed skull, which nourished the transplanted skin grafts.…”