J Korean Assoc Oral Maxillofac Surg.  2008 Oct;34(5):550-554.

Features of Histopathologic and radiographic findings in bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of jaw-Clinical review

• Ohe JY
• Kwon YD
• Kim YG
• Lee BS
• Yoon BW
• Choi BJ

Abstract

Bisphosphonates (BPs) are a class of agent used to treat patient with osteoporosis or malignant bone metastases. BPs can be categorized into 2 groups: nitrogen-containing and non-nitrogen containing. Nitrogen-containing BPs are considered to have more toxicity. Despite their clinical benefits, bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of jaw(BRONJ) is a significant complication to patients receveing these drugs. Since the first description of BRONJ in 2003 by Marx, the number of reports on BRONJ has been rapidly increasing. BRONJ is considered as an emerging problem in oral & maxillofacial surgery. Generally, osteonecrosis in the maxilla is rare, however BRONJ is found both in the maxilla and the mandible. This is an important feature of BRONJ compared to common infectious osteomyelitis of the jaw. Growing number of case reports, suggest that bisphosphonate therapy may cause exposed, necrotic bone. BRONJ has simillar features compared to IORN (infected osteoradionecrosis). BRONJ has meaningful features established through the interestigation on histopathologic and radiographic findings. These features have an impact on treatment plan and prognosis. This presentation contemplates on features of histopathologic and radiographic findings in bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw.

Keyword

Bisphosphonate; BRONJ; Alendronate

MeSH Terms

Alendronate
Bisphosphonate-Associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaw
Diphosphonates
Humans
Jaw
Mandible
Maxilla
Neoplasm Metastasis
Osteomyelitis
Osteonecrosis
Osteoporosis
Prognosis
Surgery, Oral
Alendronate
Diphosphonates