Osteoradionecrosis: Exposing the Evidence Not the Bone

Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2021 Apr 1;109(5):1206-1218. doi: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2020.12.043. Epub 2021 Jan 4.

Abstract

Osteoradionecrosis is a relatively rare but potentially morbid and costly complication of radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. Multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment are essential. Despite evidence guiding individual aspects of care for osteoradionecrosis, there is a lack of broad consensus on the overall diagnosis and management of this condition. This study comprehensively reviews the literature, with a focus on the past 10 years, to guide evaluation and treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Bone Density Conservation Agents / therapeutic use
  • Consensus
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Mandible / radiation effects
  • Mandibular Osteotomy
  • Osteoradionecrosis / diagnosis*
  • Osteoradionecrosis / epidemiology
  • Osteoradionecrosis / etiology
  • Osteoradionecrosis / therapy*
  • Ozone / therapeutic use
  • Proton Therapy / methods
  • Radiotherapy Dosage
  • Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated / adverse effects
  • Risk Factors
  • Teriparatide / therapeutic use
  • Tooth Extraction / adverse effects*
  • Ultrasonic Therapy

Substances

  • Bone Density Conservation Agents
  • Teriparatide
  • Ozone