Osteoradionecrosis of the jaws

In 431 patients treated for malignant tumors 21 osteoradionecroses (ORN) were diagnosed in 19 patients. The relation of ORN to radiotherapeutic factors and surgical as well as extraction schemes were studied. There was a clear relation to high dose, high CRE and superfraction. Six ORN developed in connection with tooth extraction. The importance of atraumatic extraction is stressed.