Osteoradionecrosis - literature review

Abstract

This work consists of a litera- ture review on osteoradionecrosis. Radionecrosis of the mandible and maxilla may be a serious complica- tion after radiotherapy in patients with head or neck neoplasias. Os- teoradionecrosis begins with irra- diation, which induces tissue to become hypovascular, hypocellu- lar and hypoxic. The prevention of this severe complication is a major goal in combined modern tumor therapy. Key words: osteoradionecrosis, radiotherapy, head and neck neo- plasm, facial bones.