Post-traumatic infection induced scalp necrosis – An unusual complication

Abstract

Introduction

Scalp wounds usually heal very well and necrosis of scalp is very rare due to its extensive vascularity. We present a case of scalp necrosis as an unusual complication of road traffic injury.

Case report

A 50-year old male with post-traumatic quadriplegia due to C5 fracture dislocation and scalp laceration presented to us. Patient developed scalp necrosis after 5 days. Wound cultures grew Acinetobacter baumanii.

Conclusion

Despite extensive vascularity, post-traumatic wounds with superadded infection can rarely lead to scalp necrosis. Thorough early wound debridement can help in preventing this rare but devastating complication.

Keywords

Post-traumatic - Scalp necrosis - Superficial temporal artery - Thrombosis - Infection

• References

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