Management of bishosphonate related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ): a retrospective cohort study

Background and objectives : BRONJ is characterized by a chronic soft tissue wound and bone necrosis exclusive to the jaws of a fraction of patients taking bishosphonates. Oral bishosphonates are used in the treatment of osteoporosis and Paget’s disease, where as injectable ones are used in the hypercalcemia of malignancy. BRONJ is seen in 5–10% of cancer patients taking bishosphonates. Pathogenesis of the disease, various conservative and surgical treatment modalities are under investigation.

Methods : Case notes of over fifty patients who were diagnosed to have BRONJ over a period of three years (2010–2012) and that were managed by the authors of this manuscript were retrospectively reviewed. Appropriate inclusion and exclusion criteria were set. Parameters like disease classification, associated local and systemic risk factors, clinical and radiographic findings, treatment strategies and treatment outcomes of our patients who are diagnosed to have BRONJ are documented and evaluated.

Results : Most of the patients were cured with complete mucosal healing and no signs of recurrent infection. Patients with persistent infection were re-operated or palliative treatment was commenced. The above-mentioned parameters will be presented descriptively.

Conclusion : Management of BRONJ is possible in the light of current literature and clinical guidelines with successful and predictable treatment outcomes.

Key words BRONJ, bishosphonates

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Jan 20, 2018 | Posted by in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery | Comments Off on Management of bishosphonate related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ): a retrospective cohort study

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