title: Osteonecrosis of the jaws and bisphosphonate therapy.
abstract: Bisphosphonates are a class of agents used to treat osteoporosis and malignant bone metastases. The efficacy of these agents in treating and preventing the significant skeletal complications associated with these conditions has had a major positive impact for patients and is responsible for their widespread use in medicine. Despite these benefits, osteonecrosis of the jaws has recently emerged as a significant complication in a subset of patients receiving these drugs. Based on a growing number of case reports and institutional reviews, bisphosphonate therapy may cause exposed and necrotic bone that is isolated to the jaw. This complication usually presents following simple dento-alveolar surgery, and can cause a significant adverse effect on the quality of life for most patients. The pathogenesis for this complication appears to be related to the profound inhibition of osteoclast function and bone remodeling.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, New Hyde Park, NY, USA. sruggie@optonline.net
authors.forename: S L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Ruggiero
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Drew
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D004164:Diphosphonates / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007571:Jaw Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000188:drug therapy; D010020:Osteonecrosis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D015663:Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents; D004164:Diphosphonates