title: Reconstruction of aplasia cutis congenita of the scalp by split rib cranioplasty and a free latissimus dorsi muscle flap in a nine month old infant.
abstract: We present a case of reconstruction of severe aplasia cutis congenita. Initial treatment with silver sulphadiazine dressings failed and local scalp repair of the defect at age 3 months also failed to provide a stable reconstruction. At age 9 months the infant was experiencing increasing apparent hydrocephalus, shunt infection and brain herniation. The definitive reconstruction was performed with a split rib cranioplasty and a free latissimus dorsi muscle flap. The reconstruction was successful and the infant has a normal head shape and no neurological deficit 12 months postoperatively.
authors.affiliation: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Theile
authors.forename: M W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Lanigan
authors.forename: G R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: McDermant
mesh_terms: D016025:Bone Transplantation; D004476:Ectodermal Dysplasia / Q000601:surgery*; D004677:Encephalocele / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000150:complications; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000637:transplantation; D012535:Scalp / Q000002:abnormalities*; D012886:Skull / Q000002:abnormalities*; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000379:methods*