Bone-anchored reconstruction of the irradiated head and neck cancer patient.

Titanium implants in facial bones for retention of epitheses or dental bridges were used for reconstruction in cancer patients after tumor surgery. Even heavily irradiated bones could integrate the implants and bear the load from the epithesis. No major complications, such as wound infection, fistulation, or osteoradionecrosis, occurred after implant surgery. There was, however, an increased loss of implants with time after irradiation, especially in the orbital region. When hyperbaric oxygen was used as adjunctive treatment, implant losses were reduced.