Scanning and transmission electron microscopy demonstrates bacteria in osteoradionecrosis.

According to the current concept of osteoradionecrosis such tissue has become hypoxic, hypovascular and hypocellular and it has previously failed to show any bacterial growth. By using a molecular method, i.e., DNA-DNA hybridization, the presence of microorganisms in radionecrotic bone has formerly been demonstrated by us. The aim of the present study was to visualise bacteria in such bone by using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Fourteen deep medullar specimens from resected radionecrotic mandibles were studied. Microorganisms were detected in 9 of the 14 samples (64%). The bacteria seen included rods, spirochetes and cocci, with rods being the predominant cells. One sample also contained yeasts (blastoconida and pseudohyphae). The data from this study strongly suggest an association between microorganisms and osteoradionecrosis. This may call for a revision of its presumed pathophysiology, including the possibility of an infectious etiology.