A new, simple method of making a spacer in interstitial brachytherapy for mobile tongue cancer

Abstract

Objectives. This article demonstrates a new method of making a spacer that increases the distance between the mandible and implanted radioactive sources in interstitial brachytherapy for patients with mobile tongue cancer. Study design. Fifty-three patients with mobile tongue cancer underwent interstitial brachytherapy with spacers made by this new technique. Results. Our spacer is not difficult to create or to use. The spacer was made from a plastic splint by using thermoforming techniques and quick self-curing resin, which did not need waxing, wiring, or casting. The surface of the spacer, which comes in contact with the tongue, is smooth because it is covered with tissue-conditioning material. There were no complaints of pain from the patients. Osteoradionecrosis of the mandible developed in only 1 (1.9%) of these patients. Conclusions. This spacer is simple to make and prevented osteoradionecrosis. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2000;89:519-21)