Composite skull and dura defect reconstruction using combined latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous and serratus anterior muscle-rib free flap coupled with vascularized galea transfer: a case report

Microsurgery. 2010 Nov;30(8):632-5. doi: 10.1002/micr.20808. Epub 2010 Aug 23.

Abstract

Recalcitrant epidural abscess following cranioplasty is a complicated problem, which becomes even more trying when large span of dura and skull bone are being replaced by alloplastic materials. A 22-year-old male underwent right fronto-temporo-parietal craniectomy and duroplasty with artificial dura graft after traumatic brain injury. Epidural abscesses recurred after cranioplasty with autologous bone graft as well as with a methyl methacrylate bone plate. The massive defects of both the dura and skull bone (15 × 9 cm) caused by radical debridement were reconstructed successfully with a combined free latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior myo-osseous flap transfer plus galea flap transposition. Proper contour and adequate stability of the construct were maintained during 2-year follow up without episodes of relapsing infection.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Bone Plates
  • Brain Injuries / surgery
  • Cerebral Hemorrhage / surgery
  • Debridement
  • Decompressive Craniectomy
  • Dura Mater / surgery
  • Epidural Abscess / surgery*
  • Free Tissue Flaps*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / methods*
  • Recurrence
  • Scalp / surgery
  • Skull Fractures / surgery*
  • Young Adult