2014 | Salvatore L. Ruggiero, DMD, MD; Thomas B. Dodson, DMD, MPH; John Fantasia, DDS; Reginald Goodday, Professor; Tara Aghaalo, DDS, MD, PhD; Bhoomi Mehrotra, MD; Felice O’Ryan, DDS
The Special Committee on Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaws (MRONJ) recommends changing the nomenclature of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) to MRONJ to reflect the broader range of antiresorptive and antiangiogenic therapies associated with the condition. MRONJ significantly impacts quality of life and requires management strategies. The 2009 AAOMS Position Paper on BRONJ was updated to reflect current knowledge, including revised diagnosis, staging, and management. The updated paper provides risk estimates, comparisons of medication risks and benefits, and guidance for clinicians in diagnosing and managing MRONJ.
Antiresorptive medications, such as bisphosphonates and denosumab, and antiangiogenic agents, like bevacizumab, are linked to MRONJ. The pathophysiology of MRONJ is not fully understood, but hypotheses include inhibition of osteoclastic bone resorption, inflammation or infection, and inhibition of angiogenesis. Risk factors include medication use, duration of therapy, operative procedures, anatomic factors, and comorbid conditions. The risk of MRONJ is higher in cancer patients than in osteoporosis patients, with cancer patients receiving antiresorptive therapy having a significantly higher risk.
Prevention strategies include early dental screening, optimization of dental health before starting antiresorptive therapy, and avoiding invasive procedures in patients at risk. For patients requiring dental procedures, a "drug holiday" (discontinuation of antiresorptive therapy) may be considered, though evidence is limited. Management of established MRONJ involves eliminating pain, controlling infection, and minimizing bone necrosis. Treatment options include surgical and non-surgical approaches, with hyperbaric oxygen therapy showing some promise but not sufficient evidence for widespread use. Additional research is needed to refine treatment strategies and better understand the mechanisms of MRONJ.The Special Committee on Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaws (MRONJ) recommends changing the nomenclature of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) to MRONJ to reflect the broader range of antiresorptive and antiangiogenic therapies associated with the condition. MRONJ significantly impacts quality of life and requires management strategies. The 2009 AAOMS Position Paper on BRONJ was updated to reflect current knowledge, including revised diagnosis, staging, and management. The updated paper provides risk estimates, comparisons of medication risks and benefits, and guidance for clinicians in diagnosing and managing MRONJ.
Antiresorptive medications, such as bisphosphonates and denosumab, and antiangiogenic agents, like bevacizumab, are linked to MRONJ. The pathophysiology of MRONJ is not fully understood, but hypotheses include inhibition of osteoclastic bone resorption, inflammation or infection, and inhibition of angiogenesis. Risk factors include medication use, duration of therapy, operative procedures, anatomic factors, and comorbid conditions. The risk of MRONJ is higher in cancer patients than in osteoporosis patients, with cancer patients receiving antiresorptive therapy having a significantly higher risk.
Prevention strategies include early dental screening, optimization of dental health before starting antiresorptive therapy, and avoiding invasive procedures in patients at risk. For patients requiring dental procedures, a "drug holiday" (discontinuation of antiresorptive therapy) may be considered, though evidence is limited. Management of established MRONJ involves eliminating pain, controlling infection, and minimizing bone necrosis. Treatment options include surgical and non-surgical approaches, with hyperbaric oxygen therapy showing some promise but not sufficient evidence for widespread use. Additional research is needed to refine treatment strategies and better understand the mechanisms of MRONJ.