Application of indocyanine green in near-infrared fluorescence imaging to detect necrotic bone associated with osteoradionecrosis of the jaws

Objective To investigate the application of indocyanine green in near-infrared fluorescence imaging to determine the scope of necrotic bone resection in osteoradionecrosis of the jaw and to provide a reference for clinicians. Methods Eight patients with osteoradionecrosis of the jaws were enrolled. Indocyanine green was intravenously injected through the elbow vein 10 minutes before osteotomy. After conservative resection of necrotic bone lesions based on imaging results, the scope of potential dead bone resection in the area of low fluorescence intensity was gradually expanded at an initial distance of 0.3 cm. Near-infrared fluorescence imaging and fluorescence intensity determination of bone cross-section were performed before and after extended resection. Statistical differences were analyzed. All patients with osteonecrosis underwent regular follow-up to evaluate the postoperative efficacy. Results Indocyanine green was injected into all 8 patients with osteoradionecrosis for near-infrared fluorescence imaging and the scans were clear; the fluorescence intensity of fresh bone wounds with an expanded mandibular resection range of (0.95 ± 0.14) cm was (226.2 ± 15.8) au, which was higher than that based on intraoperative macroscopic observation and radiological results (108.8 ± 3.4) au, (t = 20.718, P<0.001). The postoperative follow-up improvement rate of 8 patients was 87.5%. Conclusion Near-infrared fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green can assist in the successful removal of necrotic bone until fresh bleeding of the jaw wound occurs, which has important clinical value in defining the resection range of osteoradionecrosis of the jaw.