What Researchers Did
Researchers treated 21 patients with osteoradionecrosis of the craniomaxillofacial skeleton using wide resection and free-flap reconstruction over a six-year period from 1994 to 1999.
What They Found
The median interval between radiation therapy and osteoradionecrosis was 4 years, with a median radiation dose of 6000cGy. All patients achieved relief from their presenting symptoms and primary bone or wound healing, though one flap (4.8%) was lost.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients suffering from osteoradionecrosis following radiation therapy may benefit from wide resection and free-flap reconstruction. This approach can effectively eradicate diseased tissue and restore function, potentially improving their quality of life.
Canadian Relevance
This study is relevant to Canada as it involved Canadian researchers and institutions.
Study Limitations
A limitation of this study is its relatively small sample size of 21 patients.