Osteoradionecrosis of the jaw bones at the University of Kentucky Medical Center.

P. Patel, T. Raybould, Y. Maruyama

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

There is disagreement over the management of teeth in irradiated head and neck cancer patients. Some oral surgeons support preirradiation extraction; others favor maintaining teeth. Before 1974, The University of Kentucky Department of Radiation Medicine found osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the jaw in 10.9% of 220 irradiated cancer patients. After a program of oral care was instituted, the incidence declined to 2.7%. Of 109 patients who received radiotherapy between 1976 and 1985, only three (2.7%) developed ORN of the mandible. There was also a reduction in patients treated with interstitial therapy during this time. A review of the most recent experiences shows that, with present management methods at the University of Kentucky, ORN is not a significant problem. Of 30 patients treated in 1986, only one had ORN, and this was of the maxilla. Post-irradiation extractions were not identified as a significant risk for necrosis. Hyperbaric oxygen is used as a treatment for persistent ORN.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)327-331
Number of pages5
JournalThe Journal of the Kentucky Medical Association
Volume87
Issue number7
StatePublished - Jul 1989

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Medicine (all)

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