What Researchers Did
Researchers retrospectively analyzed records from a high-volume Veterans Affairs Medical Center to describe the three-dimensional topography, volume, and timing of severe osteoradionecrosis requiring mandible resection in ten male head and neck cancer patients.
What They Found
They found that the median time from radiation therapy to severe osteoradionecrosis surgery was 8 years, with the most common location being the posterior lateral body of the mandible and six patients experiencing associated fractures. The mean osteoradionecrosis volume was 3.6 cc, representing 6.3% of the total mandibular volume.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients undergoing radiation for head and neck cancer should be aware of the potential for severe osteoradionecrosis, even years after treatment, particularly in the posterior mandible. This information can help clinicians monitor high-risk patients and inform surgical planning for this serious complication.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
Limitations include the small sample size of ten patients and its retrospective design from a single center.