Microsurgical replantation of the scalp

Our 7-year experience with seven patients who had suffered avulsion of 30% or more of the scalp is reviewed. Six of the seven, who were candidates for microsurgical replantation, underwent successful replantation with 100% survival in five, and 50% survival in one. All had luxuriant regrowth of hair. The mechanisms of injury, emergency management, indications, and operative techniques are discussed. The role of interpositional vein grafts, and choice of vessels in contributing to this success is emphasized. The superiority of replantation over other methods of reconstruction of major scalp defects is demonstrated.