Favorable effects of open surgery on patients with extensive skull base osteoradionecrosis through a personalized sequential approach: A case series.

The present study aimed to investigate outcomes following open surgery for extensive skull base ORN. Open surgery through a personalized sequential approach was employed to deal with five cases of extensive skull base ORN. Two patients with mild cases underwent regional debridement and sequestrectomy, and three patients with severe cases underwent extensive resection with reconstruction using free anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap. Biological glues and vascularized flaps were used for obturation of the skull base bony defect to prevent postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. The infections were controlled by antibiotic administrations which strictly followed the principles of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS). As results, both regional debridement plus sequestrectomy and extensive resection achieved satisfied outcomes in all patients. No severe complications and delayed hospitalization occurred. During the follow-up period (8-19 months), all patients were alive, pain free, without crusting or purulent discharge, and no sequestration or CSF leakage occurred. In conclusion, a personalized sequential approach including open surgery, pedicled/vascularized free flap reconstruction and AMS was advocated for patients with extensive skull base ORN.

The impact of radiation caries on morbidity and mortality outcomes of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients.

AIMS: Radiation caries (RC) is a highly prevalent and chronic complication of head and neck radiotherapy (HNRT) and presents a challenge for clinicians and patients. The present study aimed to assess the impact of RC on the morbidity and mortality outcomes of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients were divided into three groups: (1) RC (n = 20), (2) control (n = 20), and (3) edentulous (n = 20). Information regarding the number of appointments, dental procedures, osteoradionecrosis (ORN), prescriptions, and hospital admissions were collected. Mortality outcomes were assessed through disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates. RC patients required more dental appointments (p < .001), restorations (p < .001), extractions (p = .001), and antibiotic and analgesic prescriptions (p < .001). Kaplan-Meier subgroup analyses showed a significantly increased risk of ORN in RC compared to edentulous patients (p = .015). RC patients presented lower DFS rates (43.2 months) than the control and edentulous groups (55.4 and 56.1 months, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: RC impacts morbidity outcomes among cancer survivors due to increased demand for medication prescriptions, multiple specialized dental appointments, invasive surgical treatments, increased risk of ORN, and increased need for hospital admissions.

Evaluation of Anterolateral Thigh Fascia Lata Rescue Flap for Mandibular Osteoradionecrosis.

Importance: Mandibular osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is a progressive disease that can be difficult to treat. Conservative measures often fail, while conventional definitive management requires a morbid segmental resection with osteocutaneous reconstruction. Evidence of the anterolateral thigh fascia lata (ALTFL) rescue flap technique's safety, effectiveness, and long-term outcomes is needed. Objective: To determine the long-term outcomes of the ALTFL rescue flap procedure for treating patients with mandibular ORN. Design, Settings, and Participants: This was a retrospective medical record review performed at a single tertiary-level academic health care institution with patients who were appropriate candidates for the ALTFL procedure to treat mandibular ORN from March 3, 2011, to December 31, 2022. Data analyses were performed from January 1 to March 26, 2023. Main Outcomes and Measures: Patient characteristics, preoperative radiographic Notani staging, intraoperative defect size, length of stay, complication rates, and clinical and radiographic findings of progression-free intervals. Results: The study population of 43 patients (mean [SD] age, 66.1 [47-80] years; 24 [55.8%] male individuals) included 52 cases of mandibular ORN. The preoperative Notani staging of the study population was known for 46 of the 52 total cases: 11 cases (23.9%) were stage I; 21 (45.7%), stage II; and 14 (30.4%), stage III. The mean defect area was 20.9 cm2. Successful arrest of ORN disease progression was noted in the clinical and radiographic findings of 50 of the 52 (96.2%) cases, with only 2 (3.8%) cases subsequently requiring fibular free flap reconstruction. The major complication rate was 1.9% (1 case). Clinical and radiographic progression-free intervals were assessed, and no statistically significant differences were noted between Notani staging groups (log-rank P = .43 and P = .43, respectively); ie, patients with stage III disease had no significant difference in risk of clinical (HR, 0.866; 95% CI, 0.054-13.853) or radiographic (HR, 0.959; 95% CI, 0.059-15.474) progression vs those with stage I disease. Weibull profiling revealed 96.9%, 94.6%, and 93.1% successful mandibular ORN arrest at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. The major complication rate was 1.9%. Mean (SD) length of stay was 2.7 (0.0-7.0) days. Mean (SD) radiographic follow-up was 29.3 (30.7) months. Conclusions and Relevance: The findings of this large retrospective patient case series support the continued success of the ALTFL rescue flap technique, a safe and highly effective long-term treatment for mandibular ORN in carefully selected patients.

Tooth extraction prior to radiotherapy for oropharyngeal cancer increases the risk of osteoradionecrosis.

PURPOSE: Osteoradionecrosis of the jaw is a therapy-resistant condition that may occur after treatment for head and neck cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of osteoradionecrosis in patients with oropharyngeal cancer in relation to tooth extraction prior to radiation therapy. METHODS: Patients who had undergone radiation therapy for oropharyngeal cancer 5-10 years earlier were included and evaluated for the development of osteoradionecrosis (n = 75). RESULTS: Among the 75 patients, 62 had molar teeth present in the >50 Gy radiation field and 36 of those patients had teeth extracted prior to radiation therapy. Extraction of molars before radiotherapy significantly increased the risk of developing osteoradionecrosis (P < 0.05). There were no identifiable statistically significant correlations between the time from tooth extraction and the start of radiation therapy, the number of teeth in the radiation field, smoking habits, human papillomavirus-status, gender, age or tumor location and the development of osteoradionecrosis. CONCLUSION: Tooth extraction prior to radiation therapy increases the risk of developing osteoradionecrosis. For patients with good oral hygiene and absence of dental disease, avoidance of tooth extraction in the radiation field could therefore reduce the risk of complications.

Using Electronic Dental Records to Assess Osteoradionecrosis Risk in Irradiated Head and Neck Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Over the last 2 decades, investigations have demonstrated a decreased trend in the likelihood of osteoradionecrosis of the jaw (ORNJ) after extraction. The aim of this study was to explore the potential risk factors for ORNJ in irradiated head and neck cancer by using patients' electronic dental records (EDRs). METHODS: Patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer who had irradiation between January 2010 and December 2020 were included in this retrospective cohort analysis. Patient charts showing evidence of "head and neck cancer," "oral cancer," "radiotherapy," "radiation," and "oral complication" were identified by an informatics analyst querying the EDR. Subsequently, the charts were manually reviewed, and data quality was assessed on 3 dimensions: completeness, accuracy, and consistency. The patient, tumor, systemic condition/drug, oral condition, treatment/trauma, and radiation were all categorized as potential risk factors. RESULTS: A total of 359 patients were included. With the exception of radiation-related factors, we found that the data quality was generally sufficient to support the research. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the following factors were significant in predicting the occurrence of ORNJ development in irradiated head and neck cancer: smoking (odds ratio [OR], 9.0; 95% CI, 1.9 to 43.0; P = 0.006), steroid use (OR, 6.4; 95% CI, 1.3 to 30.8; P = 0.021), oral health status (OR, 23.7; 95% CI, 2.7 to 211.0; P = 0.005), and postirradiation extraction (OR, 3.8; 95% CI, 1.0 to 14.4; P = 0.050). CONCLUSIONS: A 10-y retrospective analysis of data from an EDR revealed that smoking, steroid use, poor oral status, and postirradiation extraction are all factors linked to an increased risk of developing ORNJ. The quality of EDR data may be systematically assessed by determining the completeness, accuracy, and consistency of the underlying data. Radiation-related factors in particular were poorly documented, highlighting the need for collecting or incorporating this information into the EDR. KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER STATEMENT: EDRs can be used to identify risk factors for developing ORNJ in irradiated head and neck cancer and can help clinicians with selecting treatments by incorporating risk and complication considerations.

The association between dental therapy timelines and osteoradionecrosis: a nationwide population-based cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to investigate the timeline association with specific dental therapy and osteoradionecrosis (ORN) in oral cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 7394 oral cancer patients, including 198 ORN subjects, were retrieved from a Longitudinal Health Insurance Database for Catastrophic Illness Patients of Taiwan and were analyzed with the Cox proportional hazard regression to compare the ORN risk of individual dental treatments under different dental treatments. RESULTS: The initial dental treatment time significantly impacted on the risk of ORN in oral cancer patients (P<0.05). Pre-radiotherapy endodontic treatment and post-radiotherapy scaling or subgingival curettage increased ORN prevalence (hazard ratio [HR], 2.28 and 1.77, respectively). Endodontic treatment within 2 weeks to 1 month prior to radiotherapy increased the ORN risk by 5.83-fold. Dental scaling or subgingival curettage initialized from three to 6 months post-radiotherapy raised the ORN prevalence by 2.2-fold. Exodontia initialized within 2 weeks before radiotherapy (HR=1.49) or 1 to 3 months after radiotherapy (HR=2.63) greatly increased ORN prevalence. To perform oral surgery from 3 months pre-radiotherapy to 6 months after radiotherapy increased the 1.85-fold ORN risk. The chemotherapy combined oral surgery increased the ORN prevalence by 2.55-fold. CONCLUSIONS: Timing of dental treatment, including pre-radiotherapy endodontic treatment, post-radiotherapy scaling or subgingival curettage, and oral surgery or exodontia before and after radiotherapy, could closely relate to ORN development in oral cancer patients. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Choosing right time to perform appropriate dental treatment could effectively reduce oral infection and ORN risk.

Sialadenitis May Be Associated With an Increased Risk for Osteoradionecrosis: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: The impact of sialadenitis on osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the association between sialadenitis and ORN. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants were derived from the Taiwanese Longitudinal Health Insurance Database. From January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2008, cases of sialadenitis (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification [ICD-9-CM] codes 527.2, 527.3, 527.5 to 527.7, 527.9, and 710.2) and ORN (ICD-9-CM codes 526.89, 526.5, 730.0, and 730.1) were identified. Different treatment modalities, including surgery versus medicine, were used to distinguish the severity of sialadenitis. The primary predictor variable was sialadenitis. The secondary predictor variable was severity of sialadenitis. The primary outcome variable was time to developing ORN. Other study variables were grouped for age, gender, risk factor, and medical treatment. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to investigate the associations between sialadenitis and ORN after adjusting for statistical confounders. RESULTS: The sample was composed of 47,385 patients with a mean age of 46.6 years (standard deviation, 19.9 yr) and 37.2% were men. Twenty percent had a diagnosis of sialadenitis and 1.13% had a diagnosis of ORN. Sialadenitis was associated with an increased risk of ORN (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.93; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.61-2.31; P < .0001). After adjustment for confounders, sialadenitis was associated with ORN (multivariable HR = 1.83; 95% CI, 1.52-2.19; P < .0001). Severity of sialadenitis was associated with an increased risk of ORN; risks for ORN were 1.79 (95% CI, 1.49-2.16; P < .0001) and 3.52 (95% CI, 1.67-7.44; P < .001) in patients with mild and serious sialadenitis, respectively, compared with the no-sialadenitis cohort. For the joint effect of ORN between sialadenitis and malignancy type, patients with sialadenitis had 11.6-fold risk for ORN (95% CI, 5.58-23.9) compared with patients without malignancy. CONCLUSIONS: Sialadenitis markedly increased the risk to develop ORN. The severity of sialadenitis was positively correlated with the incidence of ORN.

Management of incidental discovery of microscopic squamous cell carcinoma in zones of osteoradionecrosis of the mandible.

OBJECTIVES: Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the mandible is a common complication of head and neck radiotherapy and often requires surgical treatment. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) can be exceptionally discovered within zones of ORN on histological examination of the operative specimen. The authors discuss the management of these lesions based on a short patient series. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This single-centre retrospective study was based on patients managed between 2012 and 2014 for ORN with incidental discovery of microscopic SCC. RESULTS: Five patients with incidental discovery of microscopic SCC in a zone of ORN of the mandible were included in this study. The mean time to onset of ORN after the end of radiotherapy for locally advanced SCC of the oral cavity or oropharynx was 42 months. Surgical treatment consisted of marginal or segmental mandibulectomy with free flap reconstruction. No recurrence was observed with a mean follow-up of 35 months [24-46]. CONCLUSION: The incidental discovery of microscopic SCC in a zone of ORN of the mandible is a rare event and has not been reported in the literature. Optimal management cannot be reliably defined due to the lack of data in the literature, but the present study supports careful histological examination of ORN specimens. Treatment must be as conservative as possible to avoid excessively invasive surgery.

Role of surgery in the treatment of osteoradionecrosis and its complications after radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to review the efficacy of surgery for patients with osteoradionecrosis (ORN) after radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). METHODS: Between 2000 and 2016, we identified 162 patients with skull base ORN, among which 58 patients required surgery. A retrospective medical chart review was performed and the indications and results of surgical interventions were recorded. RESULTS: All surgeries were performed for the treatment of secondary complications of ORN, including central nervous system (CNS) infection (48.4%), blowout bleeding (24.1%), and severe pain (17.2%). Endoscopic debridement was done in 12 patients, whereas the rest required either maxillary swing or mandibulotomy, depending on the location of the necrosis. The majority of the patients required free vastus lateralis flap (72.5%) for reconstruction. Surgery was effective in the control of infection, bleeding, and pain. Multivariate analysis identified reirradiation and bone exposure on MRI as the significant independent risk factors predicting the future need of surgery. CONCLUSION: Surgery is effective in the treatment of secondary complications of skull base ORN after previous radiotherapy for NPC.

Is Distraction Osteogenesis of the Irradiated Craniofacial Skeleton Contraindicated?

BACKGROUND: Craniofacial distraction osteogenesis (DO) is a common treatment modality today. Despite its numerous advantages, however, concerns have been expressed regarding the use of DO in the irradiated setting. METHODS: A systematic review was performed to identify all published reports of patients who underwent DO of the irradiated craniofacial skeleton. The following parameters were of particular interest: postoperative complications, specifically, insufficient bone formation, fracture, and hardware exposure (intraoral and cutaneous), as well as the need for additional bone grafting. RESULTS: The initial search retrieved a total of 183 articles of which 20 articles (38 patients) met predetermined inclusion criteria. The most common site of distraction was the mandible (76.3%). The median radiation dose was 50.7 Gy (range, 30-70 Gy). Bone defects ranged from 30 to 80 mm (median, 42.5 mm). Complications were encountered in 19 patients (50%), with insufficient bone formation being most common (9 patients; 23%). The overall incidence of complications was not significantly associated with radiation dosage (P = 0.79). The remaining procedural and demographic variables also failed to meet statistical significance when compared against the overall complication rate (P = 0.27-0.97). CONCLUSION: The complication rate associated with craniofacial DO of the irradiated skeleton does not appear to be substantially higher than what is reported for DO in the nonirradiated setting. As such, patients should be offered this treatment modality, particularly in light of the fact, that it offers the option to decrease patient morbidity as well as treatment complexity.

Tratamiento local de un faringostoma secundario a osteorradionecrosis / Local treatment of a pharyngocutaneous fistula secondary to osteoradionecrosis

La osteorradionecrosis es una complicación tardía y de difícil manejo que se produce como consecuencia de los tratamientos con radioterapia realizados en los tumores de cabeza y cuello. Ocasiona importantes daños, no solo en la piel sino también en estructuras musculares, nerviosas, vasculares y óseas produciendo una afectación de las vías aérea y digestiva que condicionan una pérdida funcional y un defecto estético que suele precisar de cirugía reconstructiva para su reparación. Este proceso lleva asociado una importante pérdida en la calidad de vida del paciente y conlleva largos ingresos hospitalarios por los tratamientos y medidas de soporte necesarios. En este artículo se describe el tratamiento local de un faringostoma secundario al tratamiento con radioterapia de un carcinoma epidermoide de orofaringe derecha. La lesión apareció a los dos meses tras finalizar la radioterapia, y precisó reconstrucción quirúrgica con un colgajo miocutáneo para reparar el defecto tisular. En este contexto, se ha utilizado un apósito de alginato con plata asociado a una espuma de poliuretano de adherencia media con reborde de silicona, consiguiendo en el plazo de un mes el desbridamiento autolítico de todo el tejido necrótico y la aparición de tejido de granulación, a la vez que se controló la infección y se consiguió un mejor manejo del exudado, proporcionando así un lecho quirúrgico adecuado para la reconstrucción

Radionecrosis is a late, and difficult to treat, complication of radiotherapy performed on head and neck tumours, and it is difficult to treat. This process causes significant damage, not only in the skin, but also in muscular, nervous, vascular, and bone structures. This, in turn, leads to airway and digestive tract involvement, as well as a functional loss and a cosmetic defect that usually requires reconstructive surgery. Therefore, this process is associated with a significant loss in the quality of life of patients and involves a long hospital stay for treatment, as well as the necessary support measures. This article describes the local treatment of pharyngocutaneous fistula secondary to radiation therapy of squamous cell carcinoma of the right oropharynx. The lesion appeared two months after completing this treatment and required surgical reconstruction with a myocutaneous flap to repair the tissue defect. In this context, an alginate wound dressing with silver was used, combined with a medium grip polyurethane foam with a silicone border. Within one month, there was autolytic debridement of all the necrotic tissue and the appearance of granulation tissue. At the same time, the infection was controlled, and a better management of the exudate was obtained, which provided a suitable surgical bed for the reconstruction

Local treatment of a pharyngocutaneous fistula secondary to osteoradionecrosis. / Tratamiento local de un faringostoma secundario a osteorradionecrosis.

Radionecrosis is a late, and difficult to treat,complication of radiotherapy performed on head and neck tumours, and it is difficult to treat. This process causes significant damage, not only in the skin, but also in muscular, nervous, vascular, and bone structures. This, in turn, leads to airway and digestive tract involvement, as well as a functional loss and a cosmetic defect that usually requires reconstructive surgery. Therefore, this process is associated with a significant loss in the quality of life of patients and involves a long hospital stay for treatment, as well as the necessary support measures. This article describes the local treatment of pharyngocutaneous fistula secondary to radiation therapy of squamous cell carcinoma of the right oropharynx. The lesion appeared two months after completing this treatment and required surgical reconstruction with a myocutaneous flap to repair the tissue defect. In this context, an alginate wound dressing with silver was used, combined with a medium grip polyurethane foam with a silicone border. Within one month, there was autolytic debridement of all the necrotic tissue and the appearance of granulation tissue. At the same time, the infection was controlled, and a better management of the exudate was obtained, which provided a suitable surgical bed for the reconstruction.

Prospective series of reconstruction of complex composite mandibulectomy defects with double island free fibula flap.

BACKGROUND: A double island free fibula (DIFF) flap can be used for reconstruction of through-and-through or complex mandibulectomy defects, but prospective studies are lacking. METHODS: Prospective analysis of all double skin paddle fibula flaps performed from 2010 to 2016. RESULTS: Overall, 16 patients underwent reconstruction with a DIFF flap (average age: 59.1 years). One patient, who underwent a DIFF flap and developed osteoradionecrosis, requiring a second flap. Thirteen patients were males, and 7 had a history of smoking, 13 had prior radiation, and 14 had prior chemotherapy. The most common primary pathology was squamous cell carcinoma (n = 13). Reconstruction using the DIFF was predominantly for mandible reconstruction with one patient undergoing reconstruction following a orbitomaxillectomy. Complications included infection (n = 2), hematoma (n = 1), and donor site complications were limited. Two patients developed venous congestion requiring re-exploration, and both flaps were successfully salvaged. One patient lost the external skin paddle requiring a pectoralis muscle flap, and there were no total flap losses. CONCLUSIONS: The DIFF flap is a reliable option that can reconstruct complex composite defects often obviating the need for a second free flap, thereby decreasing operating time, added donor site morbidity, and the need for additional recipient vessels.

Lumbar corpectomy for correction of degenerative scoliosis from osteoradionecrosis reveals a delayed complication of lumbar myxopapillary ependymoma.

Osteoradionecrosis is a known complication following radiation therapy, presenting most commonly in the cervical spine as a delayed consequence of radiation that is often necessary in the management of head and neck cancers. In contrast, osteoradionecrosis has rarely been described in the lumbar spine. Here we describe, to our knowledge, the first reported case of lumbar spine osteoradionecrosis, after adjuvant radiation for a primary spinal cord tumor, leading to progressive degenerative scoliosis which required subsequent operative management. Established guidelines recommend that mature bone can tolerate a dose of up to 6000 cGy without injury. However, once bone has been exposed to radiation over this level progressive soft tissue changes may lead to devascularization, leaving the bone vulnerable to osteonecrosis, specifically when manipulated. Radiation necrosis can be progressive and lead to eventual mechanical instability requiring debridement and surgical fixation. In the setting of the lumbar spine, osseous necrosis can lead to biomechanical instability, deformity, pain, and neurologic deficit.

Reconstruction of severely infected gluteal osteoradionecrosis using negative-pressure wound therapy and latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flaps.

Radiotherapy is mandatory for aggressive cancer treatment. Unfortunately, the high-energy radiation used can lead to severe osteoradionecrosis. Radical debridement of devitalized bone and soft tissue coupled with reconstruction using well-vascularized tissues is the accepted treatment for this condition. However, osteoradionecrosis cannot be controlled easily or rapidly. The aim of this study was to present the results of the use of serial negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in combination with a latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap for treatment of gluteal osteoradionecrosis in a consecutive series of patients. Between January 2003 and December 2012, nine patients underwent reconstruction using serial NPWT and latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps. We applied negative-pressure dressings for at least 8 weeks. Final reconstruction was performed after the infection was controlled. The superior gluteal artery and vein were used as recipient vessels in all the cases. The mean interval between operation and radiation therapy was 28.3 ± 8.3 years, and the mean number of debridement performed was 6.3 ± 1. NPWT dressings were applied for 8-12 weeks (mean, 9.3 ± 2 weeks). The defects ranged in size from 14 × 8 cm to 18 × 15 cm. The flap size ranged from 15 × 10 cm to 18 × 15 cm. All flaps survived uneventfully except in one patient who experienced chronic seroma and wound dehiscence. There were no recurrences of osteomyelitis during the follow-up periods (mean, 14 ± 6.1 months). Based on the results obtained from this consecutive series of patients, we suggest that this methodology may provide an alternative approach for the treatment of severe osteoradionecrosis of the gluteal region.

Sandwich flaps as a feasible solution for the management of huge mandibular composite tissue defects.

In the current therapy of head and neck defects, surgical reconstruction with the aid of pedicle or free flaps is common practice. Suitable single flaps are available to solve most reconstructive challenges. However, reconstruction can become a problem in extensive mandibular defects, as they are often caused by large primary tumors or osteoradionecrosis. These composite defects often lead to large intraoral or extraoral fistulas due to the involvement of mucosa, skin, mandible and soft tissue. These issues call for a double flap approach in order to achieve adequate reconstruction. Therefore, we developed a surgical sandwich technique as presented in this study. The procedure features the acquisition and use of two vascular flaps which can be freely combined according to their desired features (for example being of high tissue volume or osteomyocutaneous). In our study we included 11 patients (ten male, one female) with a mean age of 57 years. Seven of the patients had defects due to osteoradionecrosis and four due to tumor resection. A sandwich technique was performed in a single operation in eight patients, whereas for three patients several operations were necessary. The flaps used included: fibula free flap (FFF); anterolateral thigh (ALT); radial forearm flap (RFF); deltopectoral flap (DPF) and tensor fascia lata (TFL). The following combinations were used: FFF and ALT (three cases), FFF and RFF (two), FFF and DPF (three), ALT and TFL (two), and two ALT flaps (one). The sandwich technique proved suitable for complex reconstructions and led to desirable esthetic and functional results. The flexibility in combining different free or pedicle flaps made it possible to address various defect situations and consequently offer satisfactory surgical reconstruction for complex cases.

Interventions for replacing missing teeth: hyperbaric oxygen therapy for irradiated patients who require dental implants.

BACKGROUND: Dental implants offer one way to replace missing teeth. Patients who have undergone radiotherapy and those who have also undergone surgery for cancer in the head and neck region may particularly benefit from reconstruction with implants. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) has been advocated to improve the success of implant treatment in patients who have undergone radiotherapy but this remains a controversial issue. OBJECTIVES: To compare the success, morbidity, patient satisfaction and cost effectiveness of dental implant treatment carried out with and without HBO in irradiated patients. SEARCH METHODS: The following electronic databases were searched: the Cochrane Oral Health Group's Trials Register (to 17 June 2013), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2013, Issue 5), MEDLINE via OVID (1946 to 17 June 2013) and EMBASE via OVID (1980 to 17 June 2013). No restrictions were placed on the language or date of publication when searching the electronic databases. We checked the bibliographies of relevant clinical trials and review articles for studies outside the searched journals. We wrote to authors of the identified randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and to more than 55 oral implant manufacturers; we used personal contacts and we made a request on an internet discussion group in an attempt to identify unpublished or ongoing RCTs. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of HBO therapy for irradiated patients requiring dental implants. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Screening of eligible studies, assessment of the methodological quality of the trials and data extraction were conducted in duplicate and independently by two review authors. Results were analysed using random-effects models to determine mean differences for continuous outcomes and risk ratios for dichotomous outcomes, with 95% confidence intervals. MAIN RESULTS: Only one RCT, providing very low quality evidence, was identified and included. Thirteen patients received HBO therapy while another 13 did not. Two to six implants were placed in people with fully edentulous mandibles to be rehabilitated with bar-retained overdentures. One year after implant loading, four patients had died from each group. One patient, treated with HBO, developed an osteoradionecrosis and lost all implants so the prosthesis could not be provided. Five patients in the HBO group had at least one implant failure versus two in the control group. There were no statistically significant differences for prosthesis and implant failures, postoperative complications and patient satisfaction between the two groups. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Despite the limited amount of clinical research available, it appears that HBO therapy in irradiated patients requiring dental implants may not offer any appreciable clinical benefits. There is a definite need for more RCTs to ascertain the effectiveness of HBO in irradiated patients requiring dental implants. These trials ought to be of a high quality and reported as recommended by the CONSORT statement (www.consort-statement.org/). Each clinical centre may have limited numbers of patients and it is likely that trials will need to be multicentred.

Osteonecrosis maxilar asociada a infección por Actinomyces y tratamiento con bifosfonatos / Actinomyces and bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw

Objetivo. Describir anatomopatológicamente la osteonecrosis maxilar asociada a tratamiento con bifosfonatos y su asociación con infección por Actinomyces spp. Material y método. Se seleccionaron casos con diagnóstico clinicopatológico de necrosis maxilar o mandibular en las bases de datos de los hospitales de La Paz y de Guadalajara. Resultados. Se hallaron 16 casos con constatación anatomopatológica de necrosis ósea maxilomandibular e infección por Actinomyces. En 13 casos se informó de tratamiento con bifosfonatos. Un caso correspondió a osteorradionecrosis infectada. En 2 casos no se informó de tratamiento alguno. Conclusiones. Este cuadro es poco frecuente y suele sospecharse clínicamente, pero es relativamente desconocido para patólogos generales. Constantemente se asocia a infección por Actinomyces spp, que probablemente influya en la patogenia del proceso(AU)

Objetive. To describe pathological features in bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw and Actinomyces spp. infection. Materials and method. All cases, from both our hospitals, with a clinicopathological diagnosis of osteonecrosis of the jaw were reviewed. Results. Sixty cases of osteonecrosis of the jaw and Actinomyces infection are reported. Thirty cases were treated with bisphosphonate, 2 cases were untreated, and one case corresponded to infected osteoradionecrosis. Conclusion. This is a rare disease that is detected usually by clinicians but pathologists should be aware of it. It is constantly associated with, and probably caused by, Actinomyces spp. infection(AU)

Incus necrosis after irradiation.

OBJECTIVES: Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the temporal bone is a rare, late complication of radiotherapy to the temporal bone region for head and neck or skull base tumours. ORN can occur as a localized or a diffuse type, according to the extension of the affected temporal bone. It can lead to otitis externa, otitis media, aseptic labyrinthitis and may lead to serious intracranial complications. Hearing loss may be conductive, sensorineural, or mixed. A few case studies report of previously irradiated patients presenting with conductive hearing loss presumably caused by ORN of the ossicular chain. In only one case report of diffuse ORN, ORN of the ossicles was histologically proven, leading to the conclusion that ossicular chain involvement as the sole entity of ORN would not exist. However, the presented case report disputes this. PATIENTS: A 13-year-old boy presenting with a unilateral mixed hearing loss as the sole otological complaint, 10 years after radiotherapy for an anaplastic ependymoma. RESULTS: Middle ear inspection revealed ORN of the incus which was confirmed by histological investigation. CONCLUSION: ORN of the ossicular chain as a late complication can occur as an isolated entity and may present as conductive hearing loss predominantly in the low frequencies. Middle ear inspection and ossicular chain reconstruction should be attempted, bearing in mind the risk of iatrogenic lacerations of a thin tympanic membrane and possibly a delayed wound healing.