Bisphosphonate -related osteonecrosis of the jaws: Review of Literature and Report of a case

Objectives: Bisphosphonates are synthetic analogs of naturally occurring pyrophosphate, they inhibit osteoclasts, the cells responsible for bone demineralization. It has also been shown to inhibit cell proliferation and inhibit angiogenesis. Bisphosphonate is primarily used and effective in the treatment and management of cancer-related conditions. These include hypercalcemia of malignancy, skeletal-related events associated with bone metastasis in the contact of solid tumours such as breast cancer, prostate cancer and lung cancer, and in the management of lytic lesions in the setting of multiple myeloma. In this study one case of bisphosphonate -related osteonecrosis of maxilla is presented.
Methods: A case report and review of relevant literature. Research platforms (PubMed, Scopus, google scholar) were search for clinical literature published in the last ten years in relation to osteonecrosis and Bisphosphonates. Description of a clinical case treated in a Libyan hospital is provided.
Results: The patient was a 63 years old woman who presented with exposed unhealed extraction socket with a history of bisphosphonate therapy for breast cancer. The case was managed by sequestrectomy, local debridement, antibiotics and antibacterial mouth rinse.
Conclusion: Bisphosphonates use has recently been found to be associated with a vascular osteonecrosis of mandible and maxilla; other skeletal bones don’t seem to be involved.
Conclusions: Bisphosphonates use has recently been found to be associated with a vascular osteonecrosis of mandible and maxilla; other skeletal bones don’t seem to be involved.