title: Bisphosphonates and avascular necrosis of the mandible: case report and review of the literature.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Avascular necrosis of the mandible or maxilla is being recognized with increasing frequency in patients who are being treated with bisphosphonates for metastatic cancers.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A patient who was treated for avascular necrosis following treatment with bisphosphonates for multiple myeloma is presented.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Prophylactic and preventative measures should be instituted prior to commencing treatment with bisphosphonates to minimize the risk of developing avascular necrosis.
authors: Division of Plastic Surgery, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors: Dylan J
authors: DJ
authors: Murray
authors: Martin J J
authors: MJ
authors: Vesely
authors: Christine B
authors: CB
authors: Novak
authors: Jonathan
authors: J
authors: Irish
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Crump
authors: Peter C
authors: PC
authors: Neligan
mesh_terms: D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004164:Diphosphonates / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008336:Mandibular Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000188:drug therapy; D010020:Osteonecrosis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000601:surgery; D000077268:Pamidronate; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods; D013524:Surgical Flaps
chemical_list: D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents; D004164:Diphosphonates; D000077268:Pamidronate