Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw in cancer and osteoporosis patients: a retrospective seven-year single-center Norwegian cohort study of clinical profiles and documented soft tissue healing.

OBJECTIVE

To compare systemic profiles, oral findings, and documented soft tissue healing between cancer and osteoporosis patients with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ).

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

This retrospective single-center cohort included 105 cases treated in 2013-2019 (56 cancer; 49 osteoporosis). Healing at last follow-up was analyzed using adjusted logistic regression and Firth sensitivity analysis.

RESULTS

Of 102 cases with known final status, 68 had documented healing. Osteoporosis cases were older, predominantly female, and had longer antiresorptive exposure than cancer cases (76.7 ± 11.1 vs. 70.0 ± 8.5 years; 102.5 ± 77.8 vs. 34.6 ± 28.5 months; both p < 0.001). Stage II predominated and Stage 0 was uncommon (3/105, 2.9%). Previous tooth extraction at the MRONJ lesion site was more frequent in osteoporosis (95.9% vs. 71.4%; p < 0.001). Surgical treatment was associated with higher healing odds (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 11.12, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.12 to 33.35; p < 0.001), whereas cancer indication was associated with lower odds (adjusted OR: 0.23, 95% CI: 0.07 to 0.68; p = 0.011).

CONCLUSIONS

Systemic profiles differed; oral patterns were similar. Non-random treatment and missing healing dates limit interpretation. Previous tooth extraction was the most frequent antecedent event; its indication and timing were unverified.