TY - JOUR
AR - JSCR-2020-2-109
TI - Reconstruction of Post-Electrical Burn Scalp Defect with Exposed Bone: A Case Report
AU - Maria Manuel , Mendes
AU - Pedro , Martins
AU - Rafaela Pais , Serras
AU - Ruben , Coelho
JO - Surgery Case Reports
PY - 2020
DA - Thu 07, May 2020
SN - 2733-225X
DO - http://dx.doi.org/10.31487/j.JSCR.2020.02.09
UR - https://www.sciencerepository.org/reconstruction-of-post-electrical_JSCR-2020-2-109 
KW - Electrical burn, high voltage, scalp defect, scalp reconstruction, flap coverage
AB - Introduction: Electrical burns are potentially devastating injuries and most often occur at the workplace.
Scalp defects following electrical burns are a rare occurrence and usually present as a reconstructive
challenge.
Case Presentation: Male, 31 years old, suffered a high voltage electrical burn at work that resulted in a
scalp defect with exposed bone and a third degree burn in the left leg and foot complicated by a compartment
syndrome, which needed an emergent fasciotomy and later an amputation below the knee. The scalp defect
was covered by a local transposition flap and a skin graft. At 3 months post-operatively flap survived
completely with no necrosis or other complications. A satisfactory cosmesis and preservation of scalp
contour were achieved.
Conclusion: Reconstructive ladder must be respected in reconstruction of these rare and complex defects.
Local transposition flaps, if available, are often an ideal choice for scalp reconstruction in that the adjacent
tissue is of similar quality to the original defect tissue with a long-term durability, contour preservation,
minimal donor site morbidity and an acceptable cosmesis.