Scalp Replantation Research Articles

Modified Scalp Replantation for Total Scalp Avulsion: Scalp-Shifting Technique.

Scalp replantation is the best treatment for scalp avulsion due to its functional and esthetic benefits. Regular scalp replantation requires only unilateral or bilateral superficial temporal vascular anastomosis. However, shear force always damages vessels in severe scalp avulsions. Short, superficial temporal vessels (STVs) make tension-free anastomosis challenging. The objective of this article is to improve the regular scalp replantation technique. When the STVs are short, tension-free anastomosis, and cosmetic symmetry can be achieved without vein grafts or vascular replacement. This study retrospectively reviewed 18 patients with scalp avulsion, of which 10 underwent scalp-shifting replantation, and 8 underwent regular scalp replantation with direct anastomosis of the STVs. Postoperatively, the authors, assessed whether there was a significant difference in the percentage of scalp survival and in the facial symmetry of patients between the 2 methods. The percentages of scalp survival and facial symmetry were good after surgeries using both methods, and no significant differences were observed. The authors use scalp-shifting replantation to create tension-free anastomoses in cases where scalp avulsion injuries have left the superficial temporal arteries too short. This technique ensures facial symmetry, scalp reimplantation survival, and equally excellent results in function and esthetics.

The Utility of the Galea in Scalp Reconstruction

Total scalp avulsion is a time-sensitive, catastrophic injury requiring quick, complex decision-making. Traditionally, these injuries were treated with split-thickness skin grafts. With advancements in microsurgery, treatments evolved to scalp replantation, becoming the standard of care in scalp reconstruction. Although the integrity of the scalp’s blood vessels is pivotal for successful replantation, the authors believe that scalp replantation should be considered at all costs. In the presented case, a 54-year-old female presented to the emergency room following an incident with an auger that completely avulsed her scalp. She was taken back to the operating room, where scalp replantation was performed. Following replantation, scalp necrosis led to serial debridings in the operating room, and eventually, all of the scalp was debrided down to healthy tissue. Surprisingly, the galea survived despite this, which provided a healthy base for skin grafts. Before definitive coverage was placed, it was decided to utilize a bilaminar acellular dermal matrix along with negative pressure wound therapy to create a more robust bed of granulation tissue. After three weeks of this treatment plan, the patient returned to the operating room, where a healthy, viable bed of granulating tissue was revealed beneath the dermal matrix. Split-thickness skin grafts were taken from her thighs bilaterally and sewn together in a quilt-like fashion to cover the wound bed. The entirety of the graft healed without complication except for one small area that required full-thickness skin grafting in an outpatient setting. Even though the replantation ultimately failed, it allowed the galea to survive, which saved the patient from undergoing a free tissue transfer and allowed her scalp to be reconstructed with split-thickness skin grafts. Even in the setting of polytrauma, the authors hope that anyone treating a scalp avulsion would consider scalp replantation at all costs.

Replantation of Pediatric Scalp Avulsions.

Scalp avulsions are rare but can be quite morbid clinical manifestations. Pediatric patients are different from adults as they have not completed their physical, sexual, educational, or psychosocial development. Therefore, the devastation of a failed scalp replantation is much greater on these individuals, their whole future lives, and families. We present 2 consecutive pediatric cases retrospectively with the youngest successful replanted patient in Turkey and describe technical tips according to our experience.

Nonreplantable Total Scalp Avulsion Reconstruction with Acellular Biologic Matrix and Long-Term Outcome

Total scalp avulsion is a significant injury typically occurring as a result of industrial accidents involving high-speed rotary machines. Although ideal, scalp replantation is uncommon secondary to the nature of the injury and lack of viable microvas-cular anastomosis targets. Therefore, these defects are often reconstructed with microvascular free tissue transfer, with or without skin grafting. We present a unique case of a patient with total scalp avulsion achieving complete, stable skin coverage over partially intact periosteum using only spare parts of the amputated scalp as a temporary full-thickness graft and porcine urinary bladder matrix, thus, avoiding significant donor site morbidity or extensive surgery. At 4 years postoperative, the scalp coverage remains stable.

Identifying Factors Affecting Outcomes in Scalp Replantation: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Replantation is the ideal treatment in traumatic scalp defects to provide immediate coverage with restoration of hair-bearing skin. However, data are limited to case reports and small case series. Comprehensive analysis of techniques and outcomes is not available. Our aim was to systematically analyze the available literature to better understand management and postoperative outcomes of patients undergoing scalp replantation. A systematic review of the PubMed, Cochrane, and EBSCO databases was performed in October 2019. Search terms included "replantation," "replant," "revascularized," "revascularization," "avulsion," and "scalp." Only papers reporting microvascular replantation of completely avulsed scalps, including case reports, were included. Review articles, non-English language articles, articles discussing nonreplant coverage, incomplete scalp avulsions, and articles discussing delayed scalp replantation were excluded. Data extracted included demographics, percent of scalp affected, mechanism, operative technique, and postoperative outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney U tests, Kruskal-Wallis, and chi-squared tests. From a total of 704 initial results, 61 studies were included for analysis comprising 149 scalps. Complete survival was achieved in 54.7%, partial survival in 38.9%, and failure in 6.7%. Total ischemia time greater than 12 hours was associated with complete replant failure. Arterial anastomoses appeared to protect against complete loss. The number of venous repairs, proportion of venous-to-arterial repairs, use of vein grafts, thromboprophylaxis, or intraoperative complications did not affect outcomes. Patients required significant volumes of blood products, which was associated with partial success. Salvage rate after unplanned return to the operating room was 60.0%. Normal hair growth was achieved in all surviving native scalp tissue. Scalp replantations, while technically challenging, are the ideal treatment for scalp avulsions. Fortunately, these have high rates of success. And as a focal point of a patient's appearance, this is invaluable in restoration of a sense of normalcy.

Total Scalp Replantation after Traumatic Avulsion.

Total Scalp Replantation after Traumatic Avulsion.

Successful total scalp replantation using the retromandibular vein as a recipient vessel

Replantation is the first treatment in scalp amputations. Venous insufficiency is the most common cause of failure. There may be difficulties caused by venous anastomosis, especially in cases with cranial bone fractures. There is no agreement about the number of vessels that should be used for replantation. Depending on the severity of the injury, there may be concurrent injuries such as spinal fractures and other system pathologies, such as cranial bone fractures. In this article, we describe and discuss the surgical treatment of a patient with a temporal bone fracture concurrent with a total hairy skin amputation, which extended from both eyebrows anteriorly, in front of the ear laterally, to the hairline posteriorly. Single-artery and single-vein anastomoses were performed. The retromandibular vein was used as the recipient vein because an alternative appropriate vein was not available. Complete improvement was achieved in our patient, both aesthetically and functionally.

Vascular consideration in repair of total scalp avulsion

Successful total scalp replantation was performed in our case. Based on the angiosome concept and anatomical study, the avulsed scalp survived with unilateral anastomosis of the superficial temporal artery and...

Microsurgical Replantation of Total Avulsed Scalp: Extending the Limits.

Avulsion of the scalp is a rare but severe trauma and challenging to the reconstructive surgeon. It poses not only physical concussion but also significant persisting psychological distress to the patients. Medical records from 5 patients who suffered scalp avulsion were reviewed retrospectively. The following data and methods were assessed: age, number of vessels repaired, method of replantation, vein grafts required, blood transfusion, ischemia time, total operating time, and percentage of scalp survival. In 4 patients, the replantation was performed at the anatomic site. Two arteries and 2 veins were anastomosed in 2 patients; a single artery and a single vein were anastomosed in 2 patients. The middle temporal vein was chosen for anastomosis as a recipient vessel in 2 patients. In the fifth patient with simultaneous cervical fracture that makes primarily replantation technically not possible, the scalp was implanted ectopically in the forearm for the purpose of secondary replantation at the anatomic site. After a mean follow-up of 22.6 months (range 13-29 months), 4 of 5 patients exhibited successful survival of the replanted scalp. The success of scalp replantation is determined by a comprehensive management of the trauma and well-trained microsurgical technique. The middle temporal vein can be used as a reliable alternative recipient vessel for microvascular anastomosis when replanting the avulsed scalp. In patients in whom primary replantation is not possible, temporary ectopic implantation of the avulsed scalp and anatomic replantation at a second stage is considerable.

Treatment of total scalp avulsion by an advanced microsurgical method involving the subcutaneous tissue suspension by the tight suture of scalp tissue around anastomotic stoma.

Total scalp avulsion is a rare but challenging surgical trauma to manage. This study reports 8 cases of total scalp avulsion between 2001 and 2008. In all these cases, the patients were subjected to vascular replantation of the scalp. Microvascular technique after the debridement was used for scalp replantation in all these patients. Study outcome was that between 2001 and 2004, only 1 case had shown major scalp revival and scalp survival whereas in 3 other cases, the scalp survival failed. This may be attributed to the poor microscopic anastomosis. However, between 2005 and 2008, scalp survival was reported in all the cases, which was chiefly due the advanced microsurgical method adopted. In this advanced microsurgical technique, the subcutaneous tissue was suspended by the tight suture of scalp tissue around the anastomotic stoma, which resulted in scalp survival in all the cases. Microsurgical scalp replantation is an effective treatment for scalp avulsion. The key to the successful scalp replantation is high-quality vascular anastomosis involving subcutaneous tissue suspension via the tight suture of scalp tissue around the anastomotic stoma careful debridement.

Emergency management of traumatic total scalp avulsion with microsurgical replantation

Total scalp avulsion is a rare but serious injury often resulting in defects of the hair-bearing skin, and it may even be life-threatening. Microsurgical hair-bearing scalp replantation is the first choice for the treatment of scalp avulsion. In this article, we describe the microsurgical replantation of two cases with total scalp avulsion. The avulsed scalp involved the hairy scalp, forehead, eyelids, ears, and part of the face. Initial management in the emergency department (ED) included correction of hemorrhagic shock with early blood transfusion, intravenous rehydration, and wound compression after rapid physical examination. A full trauma and preoperative workup prior to attempts at replantation needs to be performed to exclude any associated life-threatening injuries. Good form and function of the completely avulsed tissues and organs were achieved in both cases. Successful replantations can achieve the best esthetic and functional results when compared with other procedures. In addition to the microsurgical technique, preoperative evaluation and preparation in the ED are considered to be an important part of the successful salvage of the avulsed scalp.

Total Scalp Replantation Salvaged by Changing the Recipient Vein

Successful replantation of the avulsed scalp has been reported by a number of authors, and there seems almost no doubt that each single superficial temporal artery and vein is enough to feed and drain the whole scalp if the amputee is not severely torn. As the venous problem is the most common cause of failure, efforts have been made to anastomose reliable veins for drainage. We report a case of total scalp avulsion that was, at first, fed and drained by a superficial temporal artery and an ipsilateral supraorbital vein. Congestion progressed slowly, and exploration revealed patent venous anastomosis without apparent thrombosis. Congestion was relieved when the recipient was changed to superficial temporal vein using a vein graft, leading to complete survival of the scalp. We propose the importance of the capacity of recipient vein, in addition to the anastomotic patency, for successful replantation of the whole scalp. We assume that the capacity of a small caliber recipient vein may be limited even in full dilatation, and the importance of the competent recipient vein should not be overlooked in a large amputee replantation or a large free flap surgery.

Microvascular approach to scalp replantation and reconstruction: A thirty‐six year experience

Soft tissue defects of the scalp may result from multiple etiologies and can be challenging to reconstruct. We discuss our experience with scalp replantation and secondary microvascular reconstruction over 36 years, including techniques pioneered at our institution with twin-twin scalp allotransplant and innervated partial superior latissimus dorsi (LD) for scalp/frontalis loss. A retrospective review of all patients presenting with scalp loss requiring microvascular reconstruction at a single center was performed from January 1971 to January 2007. Medical records were reviewed for age, gender, defect size/location, etiology, type of reconstruction, recipient vessels used, vein grafts, and complications. Thirty-three patients were identified; mean age was 33 years (range, 7-79). Mean scalp defect size was 442 cm(2) (range, 120-900 cm(2)). Thirty-six microvascular reconstructions were performed; of these, 10 scalp replants and 26 microvascular tissue transfers. Of these 26, 17 were LD based (partial superior LD with and without reinnervation, LD combined with serratus, LD combined with parascapular, LD combined with split rib, LD only) and 2 free scalp allotransplant among others. The superficial temporal artery and vein was used as recipient vessels in 70% of cases. Overall, microvascular success rate was 92%; complications occurred in 14 cases, nine major (tumor recurrence [n = 2], partial flap loss [n = 2], replant loss [n = 3, size <300 cm(2) ], hematoma [n = 2]) and five minor (donor site seroma /hematoma [n = 3], flap congestion [n = 1], superficial wound infection [n = 1]). Every attempt should be made at scalp replantation when the patient is stable and the parts salvageable. Larger avulsion defects had higher success rates after replantation than smaller defects (<300 cm(2) ), with the superficial temporal artery and vein most commonly used for recipient vessels (P = 0.0083). Microvascular tissue transfer remains a mainstay of treatment for scalp defects, with LD-based flaps, demonstrating excellent versatility for a range of defects.

Successful calvarial bone salvage using multiple outer table perforation technique on total scalp avulsion injury

For centuries, cranial outer table perforations were used to treat scalp avulsions that compromised the underlying periosteum. However, its use declined with the development of newer alternatives such as free-flap transpositions and scalp replantation. We report a case of extensive scalp avulsion with a large area of bone devoid of its periosteum. Outer calvarial plate perforations were drilled to promote granulation tissue growth. Skin grafts were used as a temporary coverage. The remaining scalp was then expanded, and the flaps obtained allowed a satisfactory coverage of the area of alopecia. The objective of this report is to bring this treatment method again into the set of possibilities to be considered when planning scalp reconstruction, as it is a feasible alternative and enables good results.

Pathways of Sensory Recovery after Face Transplantation

Severely disfiguring facial injuries have a devastating impact on the patient's quality of life. The advent of facial allotransplantation has allowed optimal anatomical reconstruction to be achieved; however, the need for lifelong immunosuppression and unpredictable functional outcomes preclude it from routine acceptance in clinical practice. Evidence from published reports on the first four face transplant recipients indicates improved and accelerated return of sensation to the facial allograft despite suboptimal repair of the sensory nerves. The authors performed a comparative analysis of the sensory outcomes following face transplantation with the sensory recovery achieved after conventional nerve repair, autologous face and scalp replantation, and vascularized free tissue transfer. Sensory recovery following face transplantation, even when the sensory nerves were not repaired, was comparable to the outcome of microsurgical repair of the peripheral branches of the trigeminal nerve and innervated free flaps. Nearly normal sensory recovery can be expected following facial allotransplantation with or without repair of the sensory nerves. The mechanisms responsible for this surprising outcome include preservation of normal density of the receptors within the facial allograft, regeneration from the recipient bed and allograft margins, transmission of the sensory inputs through afferent fibers contained in the facial nerve, nervi nervorum of the facial nerve, or trigeminofacial communicating rami. Furthermore, immunosuppressive therapy with tacrolimus contributes to the accelerated nerve regeneration. The minimum requirements for quantitative sensory testing and timing of the follow-up assessments are outlined to facilitate comparison of sensory outcomes after face transplantation.

Multiple cranial burr holes as an alternative treatment for total scalp avulsion

Total scalp avulsion is a devastating injury in clinical practice. It often occurs in female adults, being rare in children. The standard treatment for scalp avulsion is microsurgical replantation, when feasible. Coverage becomes a major problem when replantation fails or is contraindicated, resulting in significant morbidity and requiring multiple procedures. In this article, in addition to reviewing the literature, we report a historical method for obtaining skin coverage after failure of replantation. The authors report a case of a 10-year-old girl who had her scalp totally avulsed by an agricultural machine, including her right auricle. Microsurgery scalp replantation was attempted immediately after fluid resuscitation. The surgery failed probably due to the long time interval between trauma and surgery, which resulted in total ischemic time of 11 h and consequently made vascular microanastomosis impracticable. Multiple trephination of the calvarium was performed in order to expose the diploe. After 4 weeks, granulation tissue from the holes began to cover the defect, allowing the formation of a vascular bed suitable for skin grafting. Total scalp avulsion in children is seldom reported in the literature. Therefore, its management is both difficult and challenging. The exposure of the diploe with multiple burr holes is a safe and effective method for treating this injury. It may be considered, along with skin grafting, a good therapeutic alternative to be used when microsurgical replantation fails or is not feasible.

Total scalp replantation – salvage following prolonged ischaemia with poor prognostic factors

Case report of a salvaged total scalp, forehead, ear and cheek en-bloc replantation following an industrial avulsion injury with a warm ischaemia time of over 12 h. One arterial and two venous anastomoses using an interposed arterial graft instead of a vein graft was sufficient to produce a successful result. The patient was followed up for a two-year period. Scalp amputations can result in devastating disfigurement and psychological trauma especially in young female patients. The authors present a case with an unusually long ischaemia time in addition to several other poor prognostic factors. The key learning point and message here is that microvascular replantations achieve by far the best aesthetic and functional results compared with other procedures and should be attempted at all possible costs.

Ectopic scalp replantation: A case report

Temporary ectopic implantation with secondary replantation at the anatomic site is useful in salvage of extremities or organs [Godina M, Bajec J, Baraga A. Salvage of the mutilated upper extremity with temporary ectopic implantation of the undamaged part. Plast Reconstr Surg 1986;78: 295-99; Chernofsky MA, Sauer PF. Temporary ectopic implantation. J Hand Surg [Am] 1990;15:910-14; Matloub HS, Yousif NJ, Sanger JR. Temporary ectopic implantation of an amputated penis. Plast Reconstr Surg 1994;93:408-12; Hallock GG. Transient single-digit ectopic implantation. J Reconstr Microsurg 1992;8:309-11; Graf P, Groner R, Horrl W. Temporary ectopic implantation for salvage of amputated digits. Br J Plast Surg 1996;47:174-77; Yousif NJ, Dzwierzynski WW, Anderson RC, et al. Complications and salvage of an ectopically replanted thumb. Plast Reconstr Surg 1996;97:637-40; Wang J-N, Tong Z-H, Zhang T-H, et al. Salvage of amputated upper extremities with temporary ectopic implantation followed by replantation at a second stage. J Reconstr Microsurg 2006;22:15-20]. Temporary ectopic implantation is usually considered due to poor conditions for replantation at the anatomic site. We report a case of near-total scalp avulsion treated by temporary implantation to the lower abdomen with secondary replantation.

Emergency management of total scalp avulsion

Scalp avulsion is a rare but severe injury and usually happens as an industrial accident. This report concerns a successful salvage in scalp avulsion resulting from hair entrapment in a...

Replantation of Total Avulsed Scalp With Microsurgery: Experience of Eight Cases and Literature Review

Reports in the literature about scalp replantation are mostly sporadic; rarely can one find a large series. We present our experience with eight cases of scalp amputation replanted microsurgically. From 1992 to 2003, eight patients who sustained scalp amputation injuries underwent microsurgical replantation. Age ranged from 3 to 46 years (average, 27.3), and four patients were male. The scalp amputations in the three adult male patients were sustained from cutting incidents by a blade, whereas those in the four female patients were from their long hair getting caught in a roller machine. A 3-year-old boy suffered scalp avulsion from a dog bite. A vein graft was needed in four patients whose scalp injuries resulted either from avulsion or a dog bite, which was not deemed necessary for those sustained by cutting injuries. Seven of the eight replantations were successful. The failed replantation in this series was the case where only arterial revascularization was performed, which resulted in venous congestion. Rotation scalp flap was placed to cover the defect. A boy who sustained scalp amputation from a dog bite suffered partial necrosis of the replanted scalp, which was covered with a skin graft. The resulting alopecia area was eventually excised after tissue expansion. Successful replantations can achieve the best esthetic and functional results compared with other procedures. Scalp amputations sustained from sharp cuts seem to be quite as common as hair traction injuries. Such amputation injuries were more common in male patients with short hair. The manner of injury often will influence planning during replantation. Even if the amputated scalp was crushed or contaminated, such as those sustained from animal bites, replantation should still proceed, unless a greater contraindication exists.