American Journal of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Medicine and Surgery
Volume 30, Issue 6 , Pages 390-395, November 2009

Clinical experiences with bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaws: analysis of 21 cases

  • Luis Junquera, PhD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Central Hospital, Oviedo, Spain
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Department Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Central Hospital, Celestino Villamil s/n, 33009 Oviedo, Spain.
    • ,
  • Lorena Gallego, MD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Central Hospital, Oviedo, Spain
    • ,
  • Paz Cuesta, MD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Central Hospital, Oviedo, Spain
    • ,
  • Alejandro Pelaz, MD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Central Hospital, Oviedo, Spain
    • ,
  • Juan Carlos de Vicente, PhD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Central Hospital, Oviedo, Spain

Received 10 March 2008 published online 09 March 2009.

Abstract 

Purpose

The aim of the present study was to analyze the clinical presentation, risk factors, radiologic features, histopathologic and microbiological findings, treatment, and evolution of bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaws (BONJ).

Methods

This study made a retrospective review of 21 patients who underwent treatment and diagnosis of BONJ during 2004 to 2007 in a tertiary health care center reference for 1,100,000 inhabitants.

Results

The mean patient age at the time of presentation was 65.1 years. Of the 21 patients observed, 19 (90.4%) were receiving intravenous zoledronate. Of the 21 patients, 15 were treated with bisphosphonates for bone metastasis (71.4%), 5 for multiple myeloma (23.8%), and 1 for rheumatoid arthritis (4.7%). In 17 patients, the lesions occurred in the mandible. Fifteen patients had previous tooth extractions at the same site of bone necrosis.

Conclusion

In our series, most patients improved with conservative surgical debridement. Prospective clinical trials would enable clinicians to make accurate judgments about risk, treatment, and outcome for patients with BONJ.

To access this article, please choose from the options below

Login to an existing account or Register a new account.

  • Purchase this article for 31.50 USD (You must login/register to purchase this article)

    Online access for 24 hours. The PDF version can be downloaded as your permanent record.

  • Subscribe to this title

    Get unlimited online access to this article and all other articles in this title 24/7 for one year.

  • Claim access now

    For current subscribers with Society Membership or Account Number.

  • Visit SciVerse ScienceDirect to see if you have access via your institution.
 

PII: S0196-0709(08)00146-4

doi:10.1016/j.amjoto.2008.07.014

American Journal of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Medicine and Surgery
Volume 30, Issue 6 , Pages 390-395, November 2009

Article Tools

* Image Usage & Resolution