Bone microarchitecture and turnover in the irradiated human mandible.

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the microarchitecture and turnover in irradiated cancellous mandibular bone and the relation with radiation dose, to elucidate the effects of radiotherapy on the mandible. Patients and methods Mandibular cancellous bone biopsies were taken from irradiated patients and controls. Micro-CT scanning was performed to analyze microstructural bone parameters. Bone turnover was assessed by histomorphometry. Local radiation dose at the biopsy site (Dmax) was estimated from radiotherapy plans. Results Twenty-seven irradiated patients and 35 controls were included. Osteoid volume (Osteoid Volume/Bone Volume, OV/BV) [0.066/0.168 (median/interquartile range (IQR), OV/BV; %), P  Conclusions Radiotherapy dramatically impairs bone turnover in the mandible. Deterioration in microarchitecture only affects bone irradiated with a Dmax of