Progression of Osteoradionecrosis of the Lower Jaw-Case Report

The osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is a severe, disabling complication caused by radiological exposure of vital bone in patients previously diagnosed with malignant tumors in the maxillofacial region. The main risk factors of its occurrence and progression are the type and the dose of irradiation followed up by dental extractions and surgical interventions in the exposed region. In addition to that we can add the poor oral hygiene and dental status, the tobacco use and the anatomical causes. The treatment of osteoradionecrosis is defined for every clinical stage. The question about the prognosis and the prediction of progression is still open, although there is a strict adherence to the therapy protocols. We present a clinical case of a patient with osteoradionecrosis of the mandible, caused by radiotherapy due to a tongue cancer. The aim of the study is to follow up the development of ORN and the results of the therapy. In spite of the great efforts, osteoradionecrosis stays one the most difficult conditions to overcome. It is possible to temporary stop the condition but the prognosis remains poor.