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Updated: Dec 11, 2025
Generation of a Three-dimensional Full Thickness Skin Equivalent and Automated Wounding
Published on: February 26, 2015
Reconstruction of Full Thickness Defects on the Scalp With Artificial Dermal Regeneration Template: Analysis of
Johannes Benecke1, Wolfgang Koenen1,2, Lisa Mager1
1Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergy, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls-University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany.
Background:
Artificial skin substitute templates have been shown to be a reliable solution for the reconstruction of large scalp defects with exposed skull bone, but there is a lack of long-term data.
Objective:
The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the long-term outcome of the procedure in a large cohort of 68 cases.
Materials And Methods:
In total, 58 patients with 68 full thickness scalp defects with exposed skull bone, were included. Mean follow-up time was 24 (±19) months.
Results:
The mean size of the defects was 63 (±54) cm2. During the follow-up period, no local recurrences occurred. Complications were observed in 13% of the cases including template necrosis (4%), infections (4%), ulcerations (3%), and autograft necrosis (2%). During the final follow-up, 26 patients had died due to internal diseases not associated with the surgery. Cosmetic results were rated good by the patients and an independent observer.
Conclusion:
The use of a dermal regeneration template for the reconstruction of large, full thickness defects of the scalp with exposed skull bone is a reliable method regarding the complication rate, safety of the procedure, and cosmetic outcome. Limitations of this study are the retrospective and single center design.
