Single-Unit Elevation of the Scalp, Skull, and Dura: A Modification of the Classic Osteoplastic Flap

Abstract

Wound healing and infection is a concern for all surgeons, especially in cases of repeat surgical intervention. The osteoplastic flap is a technique that was previously used frequently in cranial surgery but since the introduction of cranial plating systems, it is now used only rarely. A retrospective study showed that although the infection rates of osteoplastic flaps were similar to free flaps, the need for another surgery for surgical washout and bone flap removal was lower (but not statistically significant) in the osteoplastic flap group.