Osteoradionecrosis of the jaw (ORNJ) is a feared complication following radiation therapy performed for oncological treatment of head and neck cancers (HNC). To date, there is no clear evidence regarding the impact of surgical treatment of ORNJ on the quality of life (QoL) of affected patients. However, understanding the significance of the surgical treatment approach and its effects on QoL is an essential factor in the decision-making process for optimal, individualized therapy. In this prospective clinical study, QoL was assessed in relation to health related QoL (HRQoL) and oral health related QoL (OHQoL) before and after surgical treatment of ORNJ using standardized questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-C30, QLQ-HN35, OHIP-14). The overall QoL scores as well as individual domains of the collected scales regarding functional and symptom-related complaints were statistically analyzed. Subgroups concerning age, gender, different risk factors and type of ORNJ therapy were compared using Kruskal Wallis test. In addition, clinical and demographic patient data were collected and analyzed. QoL improvement correlated with the type of surgical ORNJ and the length of hospitalization. Better QoL scores were achieved post-operatively regarding different symptoms like pain, swallowing and mouth opening. Long-term effects of radiation therapy remained visibly restrictive to QoL and worsen over time.
颌骨放射性骨坏死（ORNJ）是头颈部肿瘤放射治疗后一种令人担忧的并发症。迄今为止，关于ORNJ手术治疗对患者生活质量（QoL）的影响尚无明确证据。然而，理解手术治疗方法的意义及其对生活质量的影响，是实现个体化优化治疗决策过程中的关键因素。本前瞻性临床研究采用标准化问卷（EORTC QLQ-C30、QLQ-HN35、OHIP-14），评估了ORNJ患者手术治疗前后与健康相关生活质量（HRQoL）及口腔健康相关生活质量（OHQoL）的变化。通过统计分析整体生活质量评分及量表中功能性与症状相关维度的数据，并运用克鲁斯卡尔-瓦利斯检验比较不同年龄、性别、风险因素及ORNJ治疗方式的亚组差异。研究同时收集并分析了患者的临床与人口统计学数据。结果显示，生活质量的改善与ORNJ手术方式及住院时长存在相关性，术后患者在疼痛、吞咽、张口等多项症状维度均获得更好的生活质量评分。值得注意的是，放疗的长期影响仍显著制约生活质量，且随时间推移呈恶化趋势。
Pre- and Post-Operative Quality of Life in Patients with Osteoradionecrosis of the Jaw
肿瘤(癌症)患者之家