Osteoradionecrosis of the mandible: Pathogenesis

Journal Article · Sun Jul 01 00:00:00 EDT 1990 · American Journal of Otolaryngology; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0196-0709(90)90084-9· OSTI ID:6320558

Bras, J; de Jonge, H K; van Merkesteyn, J P ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Amsterdam (Netherlands)

Although the precise pathogenic mechanisms are not fully understood, osteoradionecrosis of the mandible is caused by radiation-induced cellular injury, ultimately resulting in a chronic, nonhealing wound. This etiology does not explain the strong predisposition of the mandible to radionecrosis relative to the maxilla, and overlooks the contribution of ischemic necrosis due to radiation-induced disturbances in circulation. In this study, irradiated mandibles with and without osteoradionecrosis and nonirradiated mandibles were examined histologically. Our findings show that osteoradionecrosis of the mandible is an ischemic necrosis due to radiation-induced obliteration of the inferior alveolar artery, while revascularization by branches of the facial artery is disturbed by radiation-induced vascular disease and periosteal damage. The most vulnerable part of the mandible is the buccal cortex of the premolar, molar, and retromolar regions.

• OSTI ID: 6320558
• Journal Information: American Journal of Otolaryngology; (USA), Journal Name: American Journal of Otolaryngology; (USA) Vol. 11:4; ISSN AJOTD; ISSN 0196-0709
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560151* -- Radiation Effects on Animals-- Man
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ARTERIES
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOLOGICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
BLOOD VESSELS
BODY
CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
DISEASES
INJURIES
JAW
LOCAL RADIATION EFFECTS
NECROSIS
ORGANS
OSTEORADIONECROSIS
PATHOGENESIS
PATHOLOGICAL CHANGES
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIATION INJURIES
SKELETAL DISEASES
SKELETON
SKULL