title: Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this article is to review a new pathologic entity named bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ).
  
  
  RESULTS
  BRONJ was observed and first reported in 2001-2002 when clinicians noticed cases of refractory osteomyelitis after simple dental procedures such as dental extractions in patients who had received bisphosphonate therapy. The condition was initially seen in patients who received i.v. bisphosphonates for malignancies such as multiple myeloma and metastatic breast cancer. However, with the use of bisphosphonate therapy for osteoporosis, BRONJ is seen in patients without a cancer diagnosis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The incidence of BRONJ remains unclear. Treatment recommendations based on sound scientific data are sparse. The management of BRONJ remains a difficult and controversial situation that continues to challenge the clinician.
authors.affiliation: University of Louisville, School of Dentistry, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, USA. gmkush01@louisville.edu
authors.forename: George M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Kushner
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Alpert
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000368:Aged; D059266:Bisphosphonate-Associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaw / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000453:epidemiology; D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004164:Diphosphonates / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011859:Radiography; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
chemical_list: D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents; D004164:Diphosphonates