Osteoradionecrosis of the jaws: a review of conservative and surgical treatment options.

Although surgery still is the most important treatment modality in the management of head and neck cancer, radiotherapy is increasingly being used. Consequently, the majority of head and neck cancer patients are at risk of developing osteoradionecrosis of the jaws, which is the most serious and important complication of radiotherapy. This review presents the etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, classification, and prevention of osteoradionecrosis. In addition, the body of evidence regarding conservative as well as surgical treatment of osteoradionecrosis is reviewed, and studies on complications, tumor recurrence and patient survival, dental rehabilitation, and functional and aesthetic outcome after surgical treatment for osteoradionecrosis are discussed.