Osteoradionecrosis

Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is an unusual complication from radiation therapy to the head and neck that unfortunately results in bone death. Radiation therapy is used to kill cancer cells, but the treatment also harms healthy cells at the same time.

If enough of the healthy cells in your jaw bones are damaged, it can result in a decrease of blood or essential nutrients to that area. Our bones require a constant supply of blood for nourishment and support so if this supply is compromised, it can lead to the death of that section of bone.

Once a section of the jaw dies it begins to deteriorate and weaken. Minor trauma such as dental surgery or other procedures to the head and neck may exacerbate the weakness and lead to further pain. The jaw bones can become exposed in the mouth or through the facial skin and the weakness may even lead to jaw fracture.

Mild or moderately damaged bone is usually treated by oral surgery, but the most severe cases may require bone replacement surgery. Surgeons in the UCSF Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Clinic work in conjunction with other surgeons at UCSF, including oral and maxillofacial or head and neck cancer surgeons, to remove and repair the most severely damaged areas of the jaw.