Bacterial Biofilms may explain chronicity in osteoradionecrosis of the temporal bone

Objective: To identify biofilm formation within a case of temporal bone osteoradionecrosis. Patient: Single-case patient presenting with temporal bone osteoradionecrosis. Intervention(s): Antibiotic therapy and then surgical debridement of the temporal bone. Main Outcome Measure(s): Histologic identification of biofilm formation within the affected temporal bone specimen. Results: Positive identification of biofilm formation in multiple sections of the temporal bone specimen removed from a patient affected by osteoradionecrosis. Conclusion: This is the first evidence that temporal bone osteoradionecrosis involves biofilm formation. Such a pathogenic mechanism may explain the recalcitrance of this disease process and offer new strategies in formulating therapeutic interventions.