What Researchers Did
Researchers analyzed the outcomes of surgical resection in 47 patients with temporal bone osteoradionecrosis to determine if flap type or hyperbaric oxygen use affected wound breakdown.
What They Found
Among 47 patients treated surgically for temporal bone osteoradionecrosis, wound breakdown was significantly associated with the type of flap reconstruction (p=0.02), with local flaps portending a poorer prognosis. Hyperbaric oxygen use, however, was not associated with a decrease in wound breakdown (p=0.5).
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients with temporal bone osteoradionecrosis may benefit from surgical treatment, particularly when reconstruction involves regional or free flaps. This study suggests that hyperbaric oxygen may not offer additional benefits in preventing wound breakdown after surgery.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection as it was conducted in the United States.
Study Limitations
A limitation of this study is its retrospective design and reliance on a single surgeon's experience with a relatively small cohort of 47 patients.