Free Flap Protection with Halo Ring in the Occipital Scalp Region

Free flaps are applied to scalp and calvarial defects when local flap coverage is inadequate. Commonly used flaps are the free latissimus dorsi muscle flap and the free anterolateral thigh fasciocutaneous flap.[1] [2]

Flap coverage of nonfrontal scalp regions is at risk of flap and pedicle compression, when patients are supine. This results in difficult patient positioning with risk of partial or complete flap necrosis. Hence, we have introduced perioperative halo ring placement on the reconstructed scalps, to avoid pressure on the flaps in the early postoperative weeks.

The PMT Model 1200 Series Halo (PMT Corporation, Chanhassen, MN), medium size, was applied reverted with the opening anteriorly. The ring is fixated on the skull with usually four titanium pins. Three consecutive cases are presented below with perioperative halo ring placement in microsurgical scalp reconstruction.

• References

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