Protection of free tissue used to reconstruct occipital scalp with a prone-positioning helmet

Defects in the scalp caused by severe trauma or extensive resections of malignant disease are commonly reconstructed using free-tissue transfer. In the occipital region flaps are at risk of compression and vascular compromise when the patient lies on their back. A previous study1 reported three cases in which a halo ring was used to avoid pressure on the flaps after operation. The PMT Model 1200 Series Halo (PMT Corporation, Chanhassen, MN, USA) was applied upside down with the opening anteriorly, and the ring was fixed to the skull with four titanium pins.

http://www.bjoms.com/article/S0266-4356(16)30301-1/fulltext?rss=yes