[Effect of a metal implant on the depth-dose curve for 6-20 MeV electron radiation]

The use of compression plates for osseous fixation in the inferior maxilla causes some problems for radiation therapy. The retrodiffusion of electrons from the metal implant induces an increased dose at the surface and especially at the metal border. A dose increase up to 40% is demonstrated for the central ray by means of thermoluminescent dosimetry. A dose decrease of up to 90% is measured for 6 MeV behind the inhomogeneity.