Management of spontaneous osteoradionecrosis: a case report

Spontaneous osteoradionecrosis of the mandible is an oral complication of radiation therapy. Bone necrosis, unrelated to trauma or infection, is more common when high doses of radiation, including interstitial implants, are delivered to a large bone volume. Management provides a challenge for the dentist and patient. When conservative, non-surgical treatment is unsuccessful, surgical debridement with adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen therapy and eventual mandibular resection may result. A case of spontaneous osteoradionecrosis is described which underscores the clinical course of the disease and treatment outcomes.