AAOMS position paper
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Position Paper on Bisphosphonate-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaws

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joms.2006.11.003Get rights and content

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Purpose

The purpose of this position paper is to provide:

  • 1

    Perspectives on the risk of developing BRONJ and the risks and benefits of bisphosphonates in order to facilitate medical decision-making of both the treating physician and the patient;

  • 2

    Guidance to clinicians regarding the differential diagnosis of BRONJ in patients with a history of treatment with intravenous (IV) or oral bisphosphonates; and

  • 3

    Guidance to clinicians on possible BRONJ prevention measures and management of patients with BRONJ based

Benefits of bisphosphonate therapy

Intravenous bisphosphonates are primarily used and effective in the treatment and management of cancer-related conditions. These include hypercalcemia of malignancy, skeletal-related events associated with bone metastases in the context of solid tumors such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer, and in the management of lytic lesions in the setting of multiple myeloma.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 The IV bisphosphonates are effective in preventing and reducing

BRONJ Case Definition

To distinguish BRONJ from other delayed healing conditions, the following working definition of BRONJ has been adopted by the AAOMS:

Patients may be considered to have BRONJ if all of the following 3 characteristics are present: 1) current or previous treatment with a bisphosphonate; 2) exposed, necrotic bone in the maxillofacial region that has persisted for more than 8 weeks; and 3) no history of radiation therapy to the jaws. It is important to understand that patients at risk for BRONJ or

IV bisphosphonates and incidence of BRONJ

The clinical efficacy of IV bisphosphonates for the treatment of hypercalcemia and bone metastases is well established.1, 2, 3, 4 Currently, available published incidence data for BRONJ are limited to retrospective studies with limited sample sizes. Based on these studies, estimates of the cumulative incidence of BRONJ range from 0.8% to 12%.34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 With increased recognition, duration of exposure, and follow-up, it is likely that the incidence will rise.

Oral bisphosphonates and incidence of BRONJ

The clinical

Prevention of BRONJ

Prior to treatment with an IV bisphosphonate, the patient should have a thorough oral examination, any unsalvageable teeth should be removed, all invasive dental procedures should be completed, and optimal periodontal health should be achieved.

Based on the experience of 2 Task Force members with approximately 50 patients, the risk of developing BRONJ associated with oral bisphosphonates, although exceedingly small, appears to increase when the duration of therapy exceeds 3 years. This time

Staging

In order to direct rational treatment guidelines and collect data to assess the prognosis in patients who have used either IV or oral bisphosphonates, the AAOMS proposes use of the following staging categories:

  • 1

    Patients at risk: No apparent exposed/necrotic bone in patients who have been treated with either IV or oral bisphosphonates.

  • 2

    Patients with BRONJ

Stage 1: Exposed/necrotic bone in patients who are asymptomatic and have no evidence of infection.

Stage 2: Exposed/necrotic bone in patients with

Future Research

On July 31, 2006, the National Institutes of Health announced funding opportunities for research on the pathophysiology of bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaw.53 At least one grant has been awarded for a project titled “Bisphosphonates and Oral Complications of Cancer Chemotherapy: A Pilot Study,” with Dr Regina Landesberg as the principal investigator.54 Prospective clinical trials are required so that the present staging system can evolve into a more comprehensive staging

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    Disclaimer: The AAOMS is providing this position paper on Bisphosphonate-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (BRONJ) to inform practitioners, patients, and other interested parties. The position paper is based on a review of the existing literature and the clinical observations of an expert Task Force composed of oral and maxillofacial surgeons experienced in the diagnosis, surgical and adjunctive treatment of diseases, injuries and defects involving both the functional and esthetic aspects of the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial regions, epidemiologists, and basic researchers. The position paper is informational in nature and is not intended to set any standards of care. AAOMS cautions all readers that the strategies described in the position paper are not practice parameters or guidelines and may not be suitable for every, or any, purpose or application. This position paper cannot substitute for the individual judgment brought to each clinical situation by the patient’s oral and maxillofacial surgeon. As with all clinical materials, the position paper reflects the science related to BRONJ at the time of the paper’s development, and it should be used with the clear understanding that continued research and practice may result in new knowledge or recommendations. AAOMS makes no express or implied warranty regarding the accuracy, content, completeness, reliability, operability, or legality of information contained within the position paper, including, without limitation, the warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and noninfringement of proprietary rights. In no event shall the AAOMS be liable to the user of the position paper or anyone else for any decision made or action taken by him or her in reliance on such information.

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