Scalp Flaps to Close Forehead and Lateral Brow Wounds

Scalp flaps are commonly used to close defects on the scalp that result from tumors, trauma, radiation, etc.

Often these scalp flaps are used when tissue can be borrowed from one area and transferred to another, with the resulting donor site being easily skin grafted.

One of the more common scalp flaps that I use is the lateral scalp flap based on the superficial temporal artery to cover defects of the lateral aspect of the forehead or lateral brow region. It is important to draw the scalp flap extending more cephalad than would be expected as the flap tends to loose length as it is "arc'ed" anteriorly. Always remember to raise the flap in a supra-periosteal, or subgaleal plane at the location of the region to be skin grafted. This facilitates graft take.


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Zygomaticomaxillary Complex Fractures

Zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures with significantly comminuted zygomatic arch fractures need wide exposure to the lateral aspect of the orbit as well as the zygomatic arch. This exposure is necessary to confirm adequate alignment of the lateral orbital wall as well as allow for stable open reduction and internal fixation.

I have found that the coronal exposure with subperiosteal elevation to the nasion with release of the supraorbital neurovascular bundles, bilaterally, can deliver excellent exposure of the lateral orbital rim. Once the operative surgeon has obtained this exposure, there is now easy access to plating the strongest fracture point of the zygomaticomaxillary complex. While the plate is being applied, pressure can be placed superiorly and laterally on the fractured complex, and fracture position can also be confirmed at the orbital rim.

Once the zygomaticofrontal process is stabilized, I then turn my attention to the zygomatic arch. Great care is taken when approaching the zygomatic arch, so that the frontal branch of the facial nerve can be elevated in the flap. Typically, I follow the zygomaticofrontal process inferiorly with my periosteal elevator, and, once the superficial temporal fat pad is reached, I push the fat pad inferiorly and laterally. This confirms not only that I am approaching the arch at a level amenable to plating, but also the frontal branch of the facial nerve is protected.

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