title: Galea-aponeurotic flap for the repair of large scalp defects extending to bone.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Defects of the scalp after surgical resections of skin cancers are common conditions. The purpose of this article is to present a useful technique for the repair of large scalp defects extending to bone using galea-aponeurotic flaps and split-thickness skin grafts.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The technique and cosmetic results of this method are displayed and the minimal invasiveness compared to other techniques in the elderly is underlined and discussed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Large defects extending to bone can present a significant challenge to the reconstructive head and neck surgeon because the lack of elasticity of the scalp skin may inhibit direct approximation and the lack of vascularity of the bony wound ground may not support skin grafts. Despite its excellent clinical usefulness, the presented approach has not been highlighted as yet. In conclusion, this surgical technique is a simple, fast, minimal-invasive and reliable approach for the reconstruction of large scalp defects extending to bone. It is of particular benefit in patients with a baldhead and in the elderly and infirm.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Freiburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Erick
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Prera
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Freiburg, Germany. Electronic address: jens.pfeiffer@uniklinik-freiburg.de.
authors.forename: Jens
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pfeiffer
mesh_terms: D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery*; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012535:Scalp / Q000601:surgery*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D000077195:Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D058106:Wound Closure Techniques
keywords: Reconstructive surgery; Scalp; Skin neoplasms; Surgical procedures; Wound closure techniques