Utility of the “Bucket Handle” bipedicled flap for reconstruction of large scalp defects

Although advances in free flap surgery have allowed the reconstruction of a wide range of complex scalp defects, simpler local options continue to play a role. We describe how bipedicled or 'bucket handle' scalp flap with skin grafting of the donor site can be used to resurface large scalp defects of up to 15 cm x 20 cm. This retrospective case series of 11 patients describes flap outcomes, post-operative complications, pathology and patient-related outcomes collected via a questionnaire. Defect sizes ranged from 56 cm