The spectrum of calvarial bone grafting: introduction of the vascularized calvarial bone flap.

Two techniques of calvarial bone grafting (split-thickness and single-table) are reviewed. A new vascularized bone flap based on the temporal vasculature is presented. The indications and relative advantages of each are discussed. The calvarial bone flap is emphasized and strongly recommended. Since the flap is vascularized and contains membranous bone, it is particularly suited for bone grafting in clinically unfavorable recipient sites, such as scarred or irradiated beds or the hypoplastic zygomatic-maxillary complex in the Treacher Collins syndrome.