Reconstruction of the scalp with a calvarial defect

Purpose: To review our clinical cases and devise a protocol for selecting the best operative methods to reconstruct the scalp with a calvarial defect. Methods: We reviewed the original disease, the areas and depths of the scalp and calvarial defects, the methods of reconstruction, and complications in 20 patients. Results: The defect was caused by secondary cranial infection following decompressive craniectomy for intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in 11 patients; extensive removal of the scalp and calvaria for resection of a malignant tumor in 6 patients; and by secondary cranial infection following removal of a malignant tumor in 3 patients. Cranial infection was frequently associated with abscess formation around the fixation screws and plates, suggesting that artificial materials induced the infection. We reconstructed the defect using free flaps in 15 patients and using local flaps in 5 patients. Conclusions: When restoring the calvaria in the primary operation, the use of metal screws and plates should be minimized to prevent cranial infection and subsequent scalp and calvaria defects. Local flaps are appropriate for reconstructing relatively small defects (<20 cm ²), whereas free flaps are better for reconstructing relatively large defects (>25 cm ²).