The use of periosteal flaps in scalp and forehead reconstruction.

In certain clinical situations, coverage of scalp and forehead soft-tissue defects is best accomplished by skin graft. When bone is also exposed, however, skin graft coverage may not be possible. Flaps of periosteum can be used in these cases as bony coverage, thus providing the vascularized bed necessary for skin graft "take." Advantages and disadvantages of these periosteal flaps are discussed.