Bisphosphonate related osteonecrosis of the jaws treated by surgical resection and immediate osseous microvascular reconstruction.
BACKGROUND
This report presents two patients who received treatment with bisphosphonates (BPs) and who subsequently developed BP related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ). The treatment of advanced cases with BRONJ is an area of investigation. The possibility of microvascular reconstruction in severe cases of BRONJ needs further investigation.


METHODS
Two patients with advanced BRONJ of the left mandible underwent radical resection and immediate bony reconstruction with a microvascular osteocutaneous fibula or iliac crest flap. Both patients had been treated initially without success using more conservative procedures. The progressive course of the disease and refractory pain indicated the need to perform radical resection and immediate reconstruction of the mandible.


RESULTS
Both patients underwent successful resection of the affected bone with immediate reconstruction by microvascular flap transfer. After reconstruction of the mandible and cover of the defects, both patients recovered well with good mandibular function.


CONCLUSIONS
Radical resection followed by microvascular composite flap reconstruction is reliable in the management of patients with advanced BRONJ and can be considered as the fourth therapeutic stage.
Mücke
Thomas
T
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Technische Universität München, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, München, Germany. th.mucke@gmx.de
Haarmann
Stephan
S
Wolff
Klaus-Dietrich
KD
Hölzle
Frank
F
D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016025:Bone Transplantation / Q000379:methods; D004164:Diphosphonates / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008336:Mandibular Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000628:therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis / Q000188:drug therapy; D019647:Oral Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D010020:Osteonecrosis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000628:therapy; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents; D004164:Diphosphonates