Osteoradionecrosis (ORN)
What is Osteoradionecrosis?
Osteoradionecrosis is non-healing, exposed bone in a previously radiated part of the body, commonly the lower jaw in head and neck cancer patients treated with radiation, developing in three to ten percent of patients, where hypovascularization has impaired the bones' capacity to mend. Osteoradionecrosis begins as irradiation reduces the bone’s capacity to endure damage and avoid infection. Non-healing soft tissue and bone lesions are the first signs of bone necrosis, which can occur spontaneously or as a result of trauma. Essentially, the radiation destroys some of the exceptionally small blood vessels within the bone. These blood veins supply both nutrients and oxygen to the living bone. All leading to a reduction in the bone’s ability to mend itself.
Why Choose Us?
Specific Benefits of HBOT to Osteoradionecrosis Patients:
Accelerate the wound healing process
Increase oxygenation to all tissues
Promote collagen and new skin development
Reduce swelling and discomfort
Promote new blood vessel formation
Increase capillary growth
Activate bactericidal, bacteria-killing activity
Keep Informed. Take Care.
Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) will be developed in approximately 15% of head and neck cancer patients who have been treated with radiation therapy.
Treating Osteoradionecrosis?
Patients with Osteoradionecrosis who receive Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) in addition to surgical debridement, culture-directed antibiotic therapy, bone grafting, or a soft tissue flap see an increase in angiogenesis and neovascularization, improved antibiotic delivery, improved leukocyte oxidative killing, reduced edema, and increased oxygen tension for osteoclast and osteoblast metabolic function with HBOT adjunctive to these treatments. HBOT is steadily becoming the preferred treatment for ORN, used in conjunction with debridement, antibiotic therapy & bone grafting. HBOT works to normalize oxygen levels within the affected tissue, by exposing the patient to 100% pure oxygen. Encouraging necrotic bone & soft tissue repair from the interior of the wound, outward and reducing the risk on amputation. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about the treatment options for osteoradionecrosis available at The Center for Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine and Hyperbaric Medicine.
