<b>Bone</b>

Where bone is directly in the radiation beam or field, radiation damage to bone is probably twofold. There is damage to the blood vessels supplying the bone, and probable damage to the bone cells. Early on, new bone is no longer made, without subsequent resumption. Fractures may no longer heal, and osteoporosis might occur. This has been noted in jaws, spine, and ribs, among other locations. The presence of a connective tissue disorder in a patient with other risk factors such as steroid use, old age and osteopenia should alert the clinician to the risk of radionecrosis following radical irradiation. In addition, bone marrow would be affected. [See Myelodysplasia] 

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