Bisphosphonates are used in the management of bone metastasis of different types of carcinoma and multiple myeloma. They are highly effective in bone resorption caused by osteoporosis.
Aim of the study: To monitor the patients diagnosed with BRONJ, who had received or who were receiving bisphosphonates.
Materials and method. The study presents 28 cases of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ) monitored over an average period of 9 months.
Results and discussion. The healing rate was 25% and, after treatment, 28.5% of the patients were downgraded one stage in the classification. In 78.6% of cases, the trigger was dental extraction. There is an impetuous need for multidisciplinary collaboration among the oncologist, the rheumatologist, the maxillofacial surgeon and the dentist for a correct management of this disease.
Conclusions: Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw is a new entity in maxillofacial surgery. Before prescribing bisphosphonates, the patient should be instructed by the oncologist to address a dentist for thorough checkup and careful monitorization from his part during therapy. Prophylaxis plays a major part in disease management.
- bisphosphonates
- osteonecrosis
- surgical treatment