Ectopic implantation of an avulsed scalp with a tissue expander on a forearm for combined total scalp avulsion and spine injuries: a case report

Abstract

Total scalp avulsion with severe cervical spine injury is a contraindication for emergency replantation of the scalp to its anatomical site. We describe a case involving the ectopic implantation of an avulsed scalp on the forearm. A 41-year-old woman presented with severe total scalp avulsion and tears in the intervertebral discs at the C4/5 and C5/6 levels. The avulsed scalp was ectopically implanted on the left forearm with a tissue expander to provide support. Two-stage replantation of the scalp at its anatomical site was performed 19 and 40 days later. Replantation was successful, and the avulsed tissue exhibited excellent viability. In conclusion, this case shows that the ectopic implantation of the avulsed scalp on the forearm may be an option for total scalp avulsion with cervical spine injury.

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