OBTAINING MAXIMAL USE OF EXPANDED SCALP ROTATION FLAPS VIA AN EXPERIMENTAL-MODEL

The relative inelasticity of scalp skin and the irregular convexity of the cranial vault necessitate careful planning in the design and mobi lization of scalp flaps. Rotation flaps adapt particularly well to the curves of the cranial vault. An experimental model has enabled us to study the design and mobilization of expanded scalp rotation flaps and to obtain maximal efficiency from the tissue expansion process. The u se of a round tissue expander situated immediately adjacent to a scalp defect is an excellent method for the creation of a rotation flap. To optimize the use of the expanded tissues, the flap should be designed so that its border passes along the periphery of these expanded tissu es. In cases in which it is advisable to separate the expander from th e defect, such as when the defect is highly contaminated, efficient us e of the expanded tissues can still be obtained by placing the expande r at the site of a rotation flap backcut. Furthermore, although this s tudy focuses on rotation flaps only, this same model can be used to ex amine and compare different closure methods using other types of flaps as well.