Maxillofacial osteoradionecrosis

• Main Authors: Amit T Suryawanshi, S. N. Santhosh Kumar, R S Dolas, Ruchi Khindria, Vivek Pawar, Manju Singh
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2014-01-01
• Series: Journal of Dental Research and Review
• Subjects: Jaws; management; osteoradionecrosis; physiopathology; risk factors
• Online Access: http://www.jdrr.org/article.asp?issn=2348-2915;year=2014;volume=1;issue=1;spage=42;epage=49;aulast=Suryawanshi

Osteoradionecrosis is a severe and delayed radiation-induced injury, characterized by bone tissue necrosis and failure to heal. Cases of osteoradionecrosis present to the clinician with features of pain, drainage, and fistulation of the mucosa or skin related to exposed bone in the previously irradiated area. The tumour size and location, radiation dose, occurrence of local trauma, dental extractions, infection, immune defects, and malnutrition are predisposing factors. A better understanding of risk factors leading to the development osteoradionecrosis and of the underlying pathophysiology may improve the ability of the clinician to prevent the occurrence and help improve the prognosis of this complication. Although the frequency of osteoradionecrosis has declined since the introduction of newer methods of radiotherapy, this review focuses on the etiology, pathophysiology, clinical features, radiological features, diagnosis, and treatment modalities including the newer modalities.