Is there a role for pentoxifylline and tocopherol in the management of advanced osteoradionecrosis of the jaws with pathological fractures? Case reports and review of the literature.

What Researchers Did

Researchers presented two case reports and reviewed existing literature on the use of pentoxifylline and tocopherol for managing advanced osteoradionecrosis of the jaws with pathological fractures in patients unsuitable for surgery.

What They Found

They found that two patients with grade III osteoradionecrosis of the mandible, pathological fractures, and orocutaneous fistulas, who were deemed unsuitable for surgery, achieved successful bony union after treatment with pentoxifylline and tocopherol.

What This Means for Canadian Patients

For Canadian patients with advanced osteoradionecrosis and pathological fractures who cannot undergo surgery, this treatment combination might offer a non-surgical option. It suggests a potential alternative for managing a severe complication of radiotherapy, improving quality of life.

Canadian Relevance

This study has no direct Canadian connection as it was not conducted in Canada or by Canadian researchers.

Study Limitations

The primary limitation of this study is its reliance on only two case reports, which limits the generalizability of the findings.