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

INTRODUCTION: Bisphosphonates 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 METHODS: All 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.

RESULTS: Nineteen 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.

CONCLUSION: The technique described can be recommended for patients with BP-ONJ if a conservative treatment fails.