Microsurgical Scalp Replantation: Lessons Learned and Technical Considerations

Total scalp avulsion is defined as a severe soft-tissue injury which involves the hairy scalp and commonly occurs in women as a result of the entrapment of long hair in high-speed rotating industrial machinery. The first microvascular replantation of an avulsed scalp was described by Miller et al in 1976 when both superficial temporal arteries along with five veins were successfully reanastomosed. Our patient was managed with a vein graft measuring 8 cm in length for reanastomosis of the superficial temporal artery. Furthermore, after successful replantation, we used an expander for aesthetic refinement and achieved an excellent outcome. A scalp replantation should be performed in every possible case. Despite partial skin necrosis, hair growth in the remaining areas is possible. In cases of partial skin necrosis, it is possible to eliminate the hairless areas by implanting an expander and excising the hairless area. A pressure-related ulcer at the occiput is likely due to immobility of the head postoperatively and may be avoided by using a halo fixation device.