Surgical treatment of bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaw: Technical report and follow up of 21 patients

IntroductionBisphosphonates are used to reduce skeletal related events in patients with bone consuming diseases such as osteoporosis and bone metastases. However recently there has been an increased awareness of bisphosphonate-associated necrosis of the jaws (BP-ONJ). Many authors propose conservative management in these cases but invariably the problem is not treated successfully allowing the bone defect to worsen. Recently there has been a move to treat this problem surgically. The aim of this retrospective study was to provide a surgical solution for patients suffering from BP-ONJ.Materials and methodsAll patients presenting with BP-ONJ were treated with bone debridement of the affected area and multilayer wound closure. The considered variables were: gender, age, underlying diagnosis, type of bisphosphonate (BP) used, duration of bisphosphonate use, route of administration, location of the osteonecrosis, clinical symptoms, association with dental treatment and surgical outcome.ResultsNineteen cases of a total of 21 demonstrated no recurrence of osteonecrosis during follow up (Mean 16 months – Range 12–24 months). One patient with a bilateral defect showed a dehiscence on one side and a small fistula on the contralateral side 6 weeks post-operatively and required revision surgery. Another patient developed a fistula after 4 weeks that was treated successfully with antibiotics and curettage. No patients had evidence of exposed bone, bland mucosa nor pain at the surgical site.ConclusionThe technique described can be recommended for patients with BP-ONJ if a conservative treatment fails.