Long-Standing Scalp Retraction Technique Using an External Fixator for Sunken Skin Flap Syndrome

Background And Importance: The authors report a novel external scalp retraction technique for sunken skin flap syndrome (SSFS).

Clinical Presentation: A 48-year-old male patient suffered neurological deterioration due to SSFS after decompressive craniectomy. Cranioplasty is the gold standard for therapeutic management of SSFS, but could not be performed due to intracranial wound infection. The patient underwent external fixation of a metal plate as a frame for the skull and the scalp was pulled outward to the frame by skin suture. The patient returned to daily activities at home for 3 months with this scalp traction frame, which was needed for infection control.

Conclusion: External scalp traction is useful for the temporary relief of pressure caused by SSFS.