title: Osteoradionecrosis.
abstract: Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is a severe complication of radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. The current theory in its pathophysiology is thought to be radiation-induced fibroatrophy of the bone. Location of primary tumor, stage of cancer, dose of radiation, oral hygiene, and smoking and alcohol use are risk factors in the development of ORN. Prevention is focused on thorough dental care before, during, and after radiation therapy. Treatment ranges from conservative management with oral rinses and local debridement to radical resection with microvascular free tissue transfer and reconstruction.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery, University of Southern California, 1200 North State Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
authors.forename: Karla
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: O'Dell
authors.forename: Uttam
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Sinha
mesh_terms: D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000009:adverse effects; D003729:Dental Care; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy; D006801:Humans; D006931:Hyperbaric Oxygenation; D008334:Mandible / Q000528:radiation effects; D008336:Mandibular Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000601:surgery; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D009910:Oral Hygiene; D010025:Osteoradionecrosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000601:surgery; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects