[Mandibular osteoradionecrosis: part I: severity factors].

INTRODUCTION: The severe evolution for some patient presenting with osteoradionecrosis, even if classified in the same stages as other patients, suggests that there are aggravating factors.

MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective study was made between 1992 and 2002 on all patient operated for mandibular osteoradionecrosis. Fifty-nine patients were included and the mandibular defects were reconstructed with a bone or a composite free flap (fibula 21%, iliac crest 49%, scapula 6%, antebrachial 3%), and with a periosteal free flap (13%).

RESULTS: The study included severe cases (87% of stage II or III) operated on several times without success. Free flap reconstruction was successful in 90% of the cases. However, complications were present in 60% of cases (24% minor complications, 48% major complications), and were more frequent with a higher stage. The analysis allowed identifying morbidity factors.

DISCUSSION: Studying the morbidity allowed identifying severity factors of osteoradionecrosis; spontaneous onset, important irradiation (important dose, bone proximity of the tumor, bilateral damage), vascular damage (symphyseal localization, lack of sequestrum, facial artery ligature, active tobacco addiction), actinomycosis colonization, non-observance of medical treatment. Understanding aggravating factors should allow us to offer more efficient surgery on an early osteoradionecrosis stage, also decreasing the morbidity linked to reconstructive surgery.