Free flap reconstruction for osteoradionecrosis of the jaws--outcomes and predictive factors for success.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to determine factors to predict the success of free flap surgery in the treatment of osteoradionecrosis (ORN).


METHODS
Univariate analysis of overall and flap complications was performed. The effect of time to ORN, and the time interval between ORN to reconstruction was evaluated.


RESULTS
Fifty-five flaps on 53 patients for ORN were done with a 90% resolution rate. Univariate parameter analysis was significant for infield mandibulotomy. An increased time interval from radiation therapy (XRT) to ORN development significantly predicted for flap-specific complications and flap loss (p < .05). Increased time from ORN diagnosis to flap surgery resulted in greater length of bone involvement (p = .01). Anastomotic complications occurred in 13 cases resulting in 7 complete flap losses.


CONCLUSIONS
An increased risk of complication was encountered with greater time from XRT to ORN. Thus, in patients developing ORN long after treatment, surgery should be accordingly more aggressive.
Cannady
Steven B
SB
The Head and Neck Center, Rochester, New York, USA. cannadysb@gmail.com
Dean
Nichole
N
Kroeker
Andrew
A
Albert
Thomas A
TA
Rosenthal
Eben L
EL
Wax
Mark K
MK
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D058752:Free Tissue Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*; D006084:Graft Rejection; D006085:Graft Survival; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D007568:Jaw / Q000528:radiation effects; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D056948:Orthognathic Surgical Procedures; D010025:Osteoradionecrosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome