Azmi Can OFLUOĞLU, Mustafa Merih YARAŞIR, Çağla ÇİÇEK, Gaye FİLİNTE
Southern Clinics of Istanbul Eurasia - 2026;37(3):328-331
Scalp tissue defects may arise secondary to trauma or tumor resection. Dermal and epidermal matrices provide an important reconstructive alternative for complex scalp defects with exposed bone by promoting vascularization and granulation tissue formation. Depending on the size of the defect, biodegradable temporizing matrices may be applied either as a two-stage procedure in combination with skin grafting or as a single-stage treatment. A 9-year-old male patient presented with a scalp tissue defect measuring 6 x 8 cm with exposed bone following a motor vehicle accident. After debridement of devitalized tissue at the wound margins, a biodegradable temporizing matrix was applied simultaneously. Weekly follow-up evaluations demonstrated progressive color changes within the matrix. At the end of five weeks, sufficient granulation tissue formation was observed beneath the matrix. The outer layer of the matrix was removed, and a split-thickness skin graft was applied to the wound bed. Biodegradable temporizing matrix application facilitates staged reconstruction of scalp defects, particularly in pediatric patients, without the need for complex surgical procedures. It supports reconstructive planning by enabling sequential use of reconstruction steps and represents a safe and effective adjunct in scalp reconstruction.
