The triple rotation scalp flap revisited: a case of reconstruction of cicatricial pressure alopecia

Triple Dufourmentel hexagonal flap for scalp reconstruction

Transposition flaps are some of the most commonly used flaps for reconstructing scalp defects. Limberg first described his rhomboid transposition flap in 1946. Dufourmentel flap was an improved version of the Limberg flap published in 1962 in which the base of the flap is widened to improve vascularisation. Transposition flaps are one of the best known and most widely used transposition flaps in reconstructive surgery. They have proven successful in different types of reconstructive and aesthetic situations as a full-thickness random transposition flap. Combination of three Dufourmentel flaps to reconstruct hexagonal defects has not been reported in the literature. It is a modification of the triple Limberg flap, in which, after removing a hexagonal defect, we reconstruct the primary defect with a triple Dufourmentel flap. This flap is very useful for reconstructing large scalp defects as it provides a large amount of skin tissue with high viability; however, given its versatility, it could be used in other anatomical areas. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2021 7:102544; Plast Reconstr Surg 2015 136:163-164; Atlas Oral Maxillofac Surg Clin North Am 2020 28:17-22.

Application of the pinwheel flap for closure of a large defect of the scalp

A 74-year-old man had a resultant large oval scalp defect of 12×6 cm (72 cm²) following an excision of a stage IIIA melanoma. We decided to cover the defect with the pinwheel flap, with the aim to provide a good cosmetic result, preservation of hair follicles and minimal donor-site morbidity. This local flap has been traditionally used for much smaller defects. Four L-shaped flaps were designed at equal distances on the vertical and horizontal axes of the defect. The L-shaped flap had a length of 1.5 times the half diameter of the defect (4.5 cm). The incision was made through galea aponeurosis and subsequently undermined at least 3 cm to assist flap advancement. Z-plasties increased the rotation of the flap when it was required. This yielded an excellent reconstructive result at 1-year follow-up, demonstrating the usefulness of the pinwheel flap in large defects on the scalp region.

Scalp Defect Reconstruction with Triple Rotation Flap: A Case Report

Scalp surgeries are some of the surgeries frequently performed in dermatosurgery department. These surgical procedures may leave large defects, especially when performed for malignant condition in which wide margin has to be excised. Such large defects are difficult to close primarily when reconstruction with local flap is essential. Here we report a case of epithelioid angiosarcoma of the scalp in a 24-year-old man where excision and reconstruction were performed using triple rotation flap.

Pressure alopecia

Postoperative or pressure alopecia (PA) is an infrequently reported group of scarring and non-scarring alopecias. It has been reported after immobilization of the head during surgery and following prolonged stays on intensive care units, and may be analogous to a healed pressure ulcer. This review presents a summary of cases published in pediatrics and after cardiac, gynecological, abdominal and facial surgeries. PA may manifest as swelling, tenderness, and ulceration of the scalp in the first few postoperative days; in other cases, the alopecia may be the presenting feature with a history of scalp immobilization in the previous four weeks. The condition may cause considerable psychological distress in the long term. Regular head turning schedules and vigilance for the condition should be used as prophylaxis to prevent permanent alopecia. A multi-center study in high-risk patients would be beneficial to shed further light on the etiology of the condition.

Two cases of annular skin defects repaired with quadruple fan flaps (o-x flap)

Nowadays, patients have high expectations when it comes to minimization of postoperative scarring after dermatologic surgical procedures. When an annular lesion is being excised, normal skin should be excised, as well, to prevent a dog ears resulting in a long scar. We introduce a new flap reducing the scar length in annular defects. In order to avoid a long scar, we designed a quadruple fan flap (O-X flap) that is a variation of the rotation flap. It consists of four rotation flaps arranged like fans, with open and closed configuration. We suggest that the quadruple fan flap (O-X flap) is a viable option for treating annular skin defects, because it shortens the scar line, preserves normal tissue, and provides a cosmetically favorable outcome.