Bisphosphonate-associated jaw osteonecrosis. Clinical case presentation

Abstract

The aim of the present paper was to present the associationbetween mandibular osteonecrosis and use of bisphosphonatesfor therapeutic purposes. Bisphosphonates are drugs used forthe treatment of primary and secondary bone disorders. They aremainly used for local and general osteoporosis treatment, metabolicbone diseases, soft tissue calcifi cation as well as hypercalcemiaoccurrence, among others. They can also act as antineoplasticagents through the inhibition of activation of cancer-linked proteins.In recent years, bisphosphonates have been used to prevent postmenopausaeosteoporosis, since they enhance mineral densityincrease in bone and therefore contribute to a decrease in fractures.The clinical case here presented is that of a 61 year old femalepatient with previous history of breast cancer and ongoing 3 yearbisphosphonate intake. The patient presented asymptomatic,spontaneous bone exposition. Surgical and medical handlings of thecase are presented, as well as its evolution.