Osteoradionecrosis of the Mandible Post Radiation of Head and Neck Cancers

Osteoradionecrosis(ORN) is a relatively rare but morbid complication of radiation therapy affecting cosmetic and functional outcomes. Multiple predisposing factors related to ORN have been isolated namely tobacco, alcohol, co-morbidities, tumour location, stage, chemotherapy and radiation treatment techniques. The exact pathogenesis of ORN remains unclear but prophylactic and therapeutic measures must be taken for its prevention.