Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 2, 2026
Surgical Approach to Full Soft Tissue Face Allograft Procurement for Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation
Published on: December 30, 2025
Salvage of postcranioplasty implant exposure using free tissue transfer
Pang-Yun Chou1, Cheng-Hung Lin1, Chung-Chen Hsu1
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, and College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Background:
Refractory implant exposure is frustrating after cranioplasty. The purpose of this study was for the authors to present their experience with free tissue transfer for salvage of postcranioplasty implant exposure.
Methods:
A retrospective medical chart review was conducted on all free tissue transfers performed for exposed implant coverage after cranioplasty between January 2004 and February 2016.
Results:
Twelve free flaps were performed in 11 patients who underwent postcranioplasty with implant exposure, and whose attempted implant coverage using locoregional flaps had failed. The free flaps used included anterolateral thigh flap, radial forearm flap, anteromedial thigh and rectus femoris chimeric flap, latissimus dorsi flap, gracilis flap, and Juri flap. The flap survival rate was 100%, and 10 of 11 implants (91%) were salvaged without removal.
Conclusions:
Free tissue transfer should be considered as the preferred reconstructive option for postcranioplasty exposed implant salvage. High rate of implant salvage (>90%) is possible even with chronic implant exposure (>3 months).
More Related Videos
06:32Coronoid-Temporalis Pedicled Flap for Orbital Floor Defect Reconstruction
Published on: December 5, 2025
08:25Intravital Imaging of Fluorescent Protein Expression in Mice with a Closed-Skull Traumatic Brain Injury and Cranial Window Using a Two-Photon Microscope
Published on: April 21, 2023