The incidence and management of osteoradionecrosis of the jaws following head and neck radiotherapy

Only 22 cases of osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the jaws so severe as to require resection have been reported in 2,853 cases of head and neck tumours receiving radiation in doses capable of causing ORN between 1.1.1970 and 31.12.1981. But for surgical interference, including dental extractions both pre- and post-therapy, the incidence would have been even lower. The management of the irradiated patient and of established necrosis is discussed.