Influence of Radiotherapy on Ossification of Vascularized Osseous Reconstruction of the Jaw: A Radiological Retrospective Cohort Study Based on Panoramic Radiographs

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of irradiation and time of irradiation on the ossification of jaws reconstructed with free bone grafts. Methods: In total, 100 reconstructions of the jaw were retrospectively evaluated for ossification between bone segments by two raters based on postoperative panoramic radiographs (immediate postOP, approximately 6, 12 and 24 months follow-up). Three subgroups were divided according to the time of irradiation: preoperative radiation therapy (n = 41), postoperative radiation therapy (n = 26) and patients without any radiation therapy (n = 33) as the control group. Ossification time and influencing factors were documented. Results: The fastest ossification with a median of 304 ± 37 days was observed (p < 0.001) in the nonirradiated control group. No significant difference (p = 0.087) in ossification was found between the pre- (447 ± 136 days) and postoperative (510 ± 112 days) radiation groups. Ossification between two graft segments (336 ± 38 days) showed significantly (p < 0.001) faster ossification than between the original and grafted bone (448 ± 85 days). Moreover, closer initial contact between the segments resulted in faster ossification (p < 0.001). When analyzing cofactors, tobacco consumption was the only negative factor aggravating ossification (p = 0.006). Conclusion: Head and neck radiation corresponded with the impaired and prolonged ossification of jaw reconstructions with free bone grafts. There was no difference in ossification if radiotherapy was performed before or after reconstructive surgery. A close bony contact was particularly important for ossification between the original and grafted bone.