CASE REPORT
Single stage traumatic paediatric scalp defect reconstruction
with free chimeric anterolateral thigh and vastus lateralis
muscle flap – a case report
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1
Reconstructive Sciences Unit, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia
2
Plastic and Reconstructive Unit, Department of Surgery, Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz, Malaysia
3
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Submission date: 2024-11-24
Final revision date: 2025-01-19
Acceptance date: 2025-01-19
Online publication date: 2025-08-27
Corresponding author
Nabilah Zaabar
Reconstructive Sciences Unit, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Jln Raja Perempuan Zainab II, Kubang Kerian, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Introduction:
Reconstruction of scalp defects is challenging for plastic surgeons as retaining functionality and achieving excellent cosmesis is essential. Various extensions of the anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap led to the introduction of chimeric flaps that are of immense benefit in complex reconstruction, especially in paediatric patients with favorable outcomes.
Aim:
The delicate nature of paediatric patients and the minuscule anatomy warrant an effectual reconstruction method encompassing adequate soft tissue and bony coverage and acceptable cosmetic results due to the obvious scalp visibility.
Case study:
We present a case of a 3-year-old boy who presented with a degloving left temporoparietal scalp wound with exposed parietal bone following a motor vehicle accident that necessitated immediate soft tissue coverage after wound bed preparation.
Results and discussion:
The advancement in microsurgery has led to the development of various chimeric pattern flaps, which in our case utilizes free tissue transfer using free chimeric fasciocutaneous ALT flap and vastus lateralis muscle flap. By employing different tissue flaps with a long pedicle coming from the same vascular source, it gives more flexibility in complex reconstruction while avoiding donor site morbidity.
Conclusions:
Free tissue transfer using free chimeric fasciocutaneous ALT flap and vastus lateralis muscle flap provides a single-stage reconstruction with sufficient tissue coverage and superior aesthetic outcomes.
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