[Clinical observation of osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the jaw]

Clinical observations and investigations on 48 patients treated in a 15-year period were presented. From the studying results of radionuclide scintigraphic examination we raised a new opinion that the bone in diseased area had its rich blood supply and presented an active metabolism during certain stage. Findings from clinical and radiological examinations indicated that the teeth factors in pathogenesis of ORN had no special significance. Our patients received mainly the supervoltage or megavoltage radiotherapy, so that the symptoms and clinical manifestations were milder than those seen previously. The treatment results of all cases suggest that mandibular resection be the best treatment method for ORN and hyperbaric oxygen therapy has no obvious effects.