ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Osteoradionecrosis of the jaw (ORNJ) is a well-recognized complication of radiotherapy. The purpose of this study was to assess predictive factors for the development of ORNJ. METHODS: A retrospective study of 325 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) treated at one institution between January 1, 1999, and December 31, 2008, was conducted. Outcome measure was the presence/absence of ORNJ. Time to event was recorded and Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to determine statistically significant predictive factors. RESULTS: Fifty-nine patients had ORNJ. Statistical analysis using Cox regression analysis identified several statistically significant variables: dentoalveolar surgery; peri-resective surgery of the jaw; continued tobacco usage after radiotherapy, diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2); and total radiation dose. CONCLUSION: Patients at greater risk of developing ORNJ can be identified and measures can be instituted to reduce its incidence and expedite management when it does occur.