Regeneration of full layer necrosis of the skull following high voltage electrical injury

Scalp and skull necrosis often follow high voltage electrical injury to the head. Classically reconstruction of the scalp and skull is performed after sequestration of the necrotic bone. The relatively frequent complication of epidural infection, however, detracts from this approach. As an alternative we have attempted to induce regeneration of devitalized bone by covering it with a vascular tissue flap. A typical patient is described in this report with results which indicate that at least partial regeneration of the necrotic tissue can occur, thus one-stage management of such wounds is possible.