title: Bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaw: patient care considerations: overview for the orthopaedic nursing healthcare professional.
abstract: An emerging problem for patients taking bisphosphonate (BSP) medications for osteoporosis or cancer therapies has been the occurrence of osteonecrosis of the jaws (ONJ), most often after dental surgical procedures. ONJ can be a persistent and discomforting condition that can also be refractory to various therapies. This article will overview the pathophysiology of ONJ, the proposed causal relationship between BSP use and ONJ, and the current guidelines for dental care of a patient who will be, or is taking, this class of medications. Included are suggested guidelines for the orthopaedic nurse who may interact with these patients. Alternate names for this malady are as follows:
authors.affiliation: Division of Oral Medicine, and Director, Infectious Disease Fellowship, UMDNJ-New Jersey Dental School, Diagnostic Sciences, Division of Oral Medicine, Newark, NJ, USA.
authors.forename: Harold V
authors.initials: HV
authors.lastname: Cohen
mesh_terms: D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016723:Bone Remodeling; D004164:Diphosphonates / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004496:Education, Continuing; D006801:Humans; D007571:Jaw Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000451:nursing*; D010020:Osteonecrosis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000451:nursing*
chemical_list: D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents; D004164:Diphosphonates