Usefulness of scalp expansion for cranioplasty in a case with postinfection large calvarial defect: a case report

Abstract

Background: We frequently experience difficulty in scalp adaptation on cranioplastic surgery, particularly after wound infection, because of scalp atrophy, poor nutritional condition, and tense suture.

Case description: We report our valuable experience of scalp expansion being effective for cranioplastic surgery due to a postinfection large calvarial defect after the removal of a convexity meningioma.

Conclusions: If there is some anxiety about scalp adaptation preoperatively, it may be wise to perform a 2-stage cranioplasty, including tissue expansion with a scalp expander, instead of a hasty 1-stage cranioplasty.