What Researchers Did
Researchers presented a case report of osteoradionecrosis affecting the cervical vertebrae and occipital bone in a patient treated for squamous cell carcinoma nine years prior.
What They Found
They identified the first reported case of osteoradionecrosis (ORN) involving the first and second cervical vertebrae and occipital bone. This occurred in a patient 9 years after treatment for squamous cell carcinoma, highlighting that ORN can develop in unusual locations with an insidious but rapidly progressive course.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients who have undergone radiation therapy, even many years prior, should be aware that osteoradionecrosis can occur in unexpected locations beyond the mandible. Clinicians should consider ORN in the differential diagnosis for patients presenting with chronic non-healing wounds or bone breakdown in irradiated areas, regardless of the site.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection as it is a case report from the United States.
Study Limitations
As a single case report, the findings of this study cannot be generalized to a broader patient population.