To systematically present and interpret the current literature on research and treatment perspectives for mandibular osteoradionecrosis (mORN) in the field of biomaterials.

A systematic review of the literature using the “Synthesis without meta-analysis” (SWiM) methodology was performed on PubMed, Embase and Cochrane, focusing on the implantation of synthetic biomaterials for bone reconstruction in mORN in humans and/or animal models. The primary endpoints were the composition, efficacy on mORN and tolerance of the implanted synthetic biomaterials.

Forty-seven references were obtained and evaluated in full-text by two assessors. Ten (8 in humans and 2 in animal models) met the eligibility criteria and were included for analysis. Materials most often comprised support plates or metal mesh (5 of 10 cases) in combination with grafts or synthetic materials (phosphocalcic ceramics, glutaraldehyde). Other ceramic/polymer composites were also implanted. In half of the selected reports, active compounds (molecules, growth factors, lysates) and/or cells were associated with the reconstruction material. The number of articles referring to implantation of biomaterials for the treatment of mORN was small, and the properties of the implanted biomaterials were generally poorly described, thus limiting a thorough understanding of their role.

In preventing the morbidity associated with some reconstructive surgeries, basic research has benefitted from recent advances in tissue engineering and biomaterials to repair limited bone loss.