title: Bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaw: the rheumatologist's role.
abstract: Several recent reports have described osteonecrosis of the jaws (ONJ) associated with the use of bisphosphonates. Rheumatologists treating bone diseases with bisphosphonate need, therefore, to be aware of this potential risk and plan the prophylaxis, early diagnosis and prevention of potential consequences. We review the literature on this newly described complication, with particular focus on systemic and local predisposing pathologies, preventive measures suggested before and during therapy with bisphosphonates, and the most frequent clinical presentation of the oral lesions. The expert panel recommendations for the management of care of patients who develop ONJ are summarized.
authors.affiliation: Rheumatology Unit, Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi IRCCS, University of Milan, Italy. franco.capsoni@unimi.it
authors.forename: Franco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Capsoni
authors.forename: Matteo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Longhi
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Weinstein
mesh_terms: D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004164:Diphosphonates / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007568:Jaw; D008439:Maxillary Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D010020:Osteonecrosis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D012219:Rheumatology; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents; D004164:Diphosphonates