Osteoradionecrosis of the Maxillofacial Region: Contemporary treatment after radiotherapy (A Literature Review)

Abstract

Osteoradionecrosis (ORN), a severe and potentially deadly bone complication arising from radiation therapy in the head and neck region, is defined by exposed, irradiated bone that fails to alleviate within three months, with no signs of remaining tumor or cancer recurrence. Research into more effective, less invasive, and safer treatments for ORN is of great importance, highlighting the need for Maxillofacial surgeons and oncologists to carefully select the most suitable treatment plan based on the disease's advancement. Considering the central role of the RANKL-RANK system in the remodelling and resorbing processes of the bone, new therapies with denosumab and bisphosphonate have been used recently with promising results.