title: Osteoradionecrosis of the mandible.
abstract: Osteoradionecrosis is a major complication of surgery or trauma in previously irradiated bone in the absence of tumor persistence. Radiation-induced vascular insufficiency rather than infection causes bone death. It occurs most commonly in the mandible after head and neck irradiation. Risk factors include the total radiation dose, modality of treatment, fraction size and dose rate, oral hygiene, timing of tooth extractions as well as the continued use of tobacco and alcohol. This condition is often painful, debilitating, and may result in significant bone loss. The recommended treatment guidelines are irrigation, antibiotics, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and surgical techniques, including hemimandibulectomy and graft placements.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, Howard University Hospital, Washington, DC 20060, USA.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Vanderpuye
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Goldson
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D003646:Debridement; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006931:Hyperbaric Oxygenation; D008334:Mandible / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D010025:Osteoradionecrosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D011859:Radiography; D014062:Tongue Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents