Epidemiology of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws: the utility of a national registry.
OBJECTIVE
Little is known about the epidemiology of osteonecrosis of the jaws. To date, no population-based studies have rigorously evaluated risk factors, treatment factors, or outcomes. We aimed to perform such a study.


METHODS
We reviewed the literature for epidemiologic studies on osteonecrosis of the jaws.


RESULTS
Current epidemiologic information is generally derived from anecdotal reports or case series from small institutions. Estimates that have been provided in some reports have questionable validity because of a lack of standardized case definitions, clearly defined source populations, and clear methods for obtaining (or confirming) full reporting. Population-based prospective registries are capable of answering and informing several of the outstanding questions about bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws/osteonecrosis of the jaws.


CONCLUSIONS
A population-based registry that collects systematic information on patient characteristics, treatments, and outcomes is essential to filling the gaps in our knowledge and understanding of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws.
Outcome Sciences, Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA. richg@outcome.com
Richard
R
Gliklich
Jerome
J
Wilson
D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004164:Diphosphonates / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007571:Jaw Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology*; D019647:Oral Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects; D010020:Osteonecrosis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D012042:Registries; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents; D004164:Diphosphonates