OSTEORADIONECROSIS OF THE JAWS AS A RISK FACTOR IN RADIOTHERAPY - A REPORT OF AN 8-YEAR RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW

Osteoradionecrosis of the jaws is a severe complication of radiotherap y in the treatment of the head and neck neoplasms. The literature indi cates a recent decline in the reported incidence of this complication. The purpose of this study was to further assess the incidence rate fo r osteoradionecrosis. Factors previously associated with an increased risk for osteoradionecrosis were evaluated to determine possible relat ionships. A retrospective chart review was conducted for 193 patients treated with radiotherapy for malignant head and neck tumors over an e ight-year period. Recorded diagnoses of osteoradionecrosis were noted. Factors previously correlated with the development of osteoradionecro sis were assessed. Of the 193 charts reviewed, 9 diagnoses of osteorad ionecrosis of the jaws were made representing an incidence rate of 4.7 % for the period evaluated. No single factor was noted to be associate d with the development of osteoradionecrosis. The results indicate a l ow incidence rate for osteoradionecrosis as a post-radiation treatment complication. No single causative factor could be identified suggesti ng a multifactorial interaction responsible for osteoradionecrosis.