Reconstruction of Defects on Post Electric Burn Injury Scalp with Bone Exposed: Case Series

Abstract

Electrical burns typically result in severe tissue damage at a localized area, where the generated heat can lead to necrosis of one or both calvarial tables. This study reports four cases with scalp defects due to electrical burns reconstructed. In all cases, the scalp was the entrance site. A local flap and a skin graft were used to cover scalp defect and secondary defect, respectively. At 5–7 days postoperative, the flap survived with no necrosis or complications; satisfactory cosmesis and preservation of scalp contour were achieved. Successful scalp reconstruction requires meticulous preoperative planning and precise intraoperative execution, thus needing a reconstructive ladder. For scalp reconstruction, local transposition flaps are the best option as the adjacent tissue is of comparable quality to the defect tissue and has good contour preservation, low donor site morbidity, and satisfactory cosmesis.

Keywords

• bone exposed; electric injury; flap; scalp defect