Sinus Tracts—An Early Sign of Bisphosphonate-Associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaws?

PurposeBisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaw (BONJ) is defined as the presence of exposed bone for at least 8 weeks in patients with exposure to bisphosphonates and no history of radiotherapy to the jaw. We report 5 patients with a history of bisphosphonate use, sinus tracts or deep periodontal pockets and radiographic findings typical for BONJ but with no evidence of exposed necrotic bone at the first evaluation visit.Patients and MethodsThe mean age was 70 years (range 66-77) and all were males. Patients had multiple myeloma (2), multiple myeloma and prostate cancer (1), monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (1) and osteoporosis (1). Three cases involved the mandible and 2 the maxilla. Four patients were on intravenous pamidronate and/or zoledonic acid and 1, alendronate. All cases except 1 (with deep periodontal pockets) presented with intraoral draining sinus tracts.ResultsRadiographic findings included persistence of extraction socket (2), mottled radio-opacity and radiolucency (1), presence of sequestrum (1) and no significant findings (1). Subsequently, 4 patients developed exposed bone and 1 patient had necrotic bone removed from the jaws.ConclusionWe report 5 patients with a history of bisphosphonate therapy where 4 patients had persistent sinus tracts and a fifth, severe bone loss. Four patients had radiographic findings typical for BONJ, and all subsequently developed necrotic bone. We propose modifying the definition of BONJ to include a category of “suspected BONJ” Stage 0sa where patients have persistent sinus tracts or localized deep periodontal pockets and typical radiographic findings for BONJ but are asymptomatic, and Stage 0ss for those who are symptomatic.