Bisphosphonates and jaw osteonecrosis: the UAMS experience.
BACKGROUND
Over the past year at least 10 case series and several case reports on osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) have been published with most found in the oral surgery literature. This clinical entity is largely unknown to head and neck surgeons.


METHODS
Retrospective chart review.


RESULTS
A total of 479 charts were reviewed, identifying 25 individuals meeting inclusion criteria. Mean age was 63.4 (standard deviation, 9.9) years; 40% were female. Multiple myeloma was the most common comorbidity. Twenty-five patients were treated with bisphosphonates for 4.4 years (range, 1 to 8 years); most commonly pamidronate before ONJ diagnosis. Forty-two percent (10) took steroids within the month before diagnosis. Fifty-two percent (11) underwent dental work before developing ONJ.


CONCLUSIONS
These data reflect the importance of awareness of the possibility of ONJ with bisphosphonate therapy.
Clarke
Brett M
BM
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
Boyette
Jennings
J
Vural
Emre
E
Suen
James Y
JY
Anaissie
Elias J
EJ
Stack
Brendan C
BC
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003475:Curettage; D003729:Dental Care; D004164:Diphosphonates / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006931:Hyperbaric Oxygenation; D007093:Imidazoles / Q000009:adverse effects; D007571:Jaw Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000188:drug therapy; D010020:Osteonecrosis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000628:therapy; D000077268:Pamidronate; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000077211:Zoledronic Acid
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents; D004164:Diphosphonates; D007093:Imidazoles; D000077211:Zoledronic Acid; D000077268:Pamidronate