HYPERBARIC-OXYGEN AND POSTRADIATION OSTEONECROSIS OF THE MANDIBLE

The clinical and dental records of 26 patients with the clinical diagn osis of postradiation osteonecrosis (PRON) managed with hyperbaric oxy gen (HBO) were reviewed to determine the efficacy of HBO. 19 patients were male and 7 were female; age at the first HBO session ranged from 28 to 80 years (median 57.5 years). All but 8 patients reviewed had so me form of surgical management; 7 had mandibulectomy for PRON. As part of management, a total of 9-84 HBO sessions (median 35 sessions) was administered. 18 of the 26 patients ultimately achieved persistent muc osal and cutaneous coverage 1-84 months (median 24 months) after the f irst HBO session. 13 of the 26 patients met strict criteria for resolu tion of their disease; fully 21 of 26 patients had improved PRON statu s following HBO therapy. HBO treatment as part of a comprehensive mana gment plan is safe and effective in the management of PRON.