Bisphosphonates (BPs) and other antiresorptive agents such as denosumab are widely prescribed for the treatment of osteoporosis and are also used in patients with multiple myeloma and metastatic breast or prostate cancer for avoiding bone reabsorption and fractures that result in increased morbidity-mortality among such individuals.
Osteonecrosis of the jaws (ONJ) is an important complication of exposure to BPs or other antiresorptive agents, and although its prevalence is low, it can pose management problems. The definition, diagnosis and classification of osteonecrosis have evolved since Marx reported the first cases in 2003. The present study offers a literature review and update on the existing diagnostic methods and classification of the disorder, with a view to facilitating earlier and more effective treatment.
Medicina oral, patologia oral y cirugia bucal. 2016 Jan 31 [Epub ahead of print]
C Gavaldá, J-V Bagán
Departamento de Medicina Oral, Clínica Odontológica, c/ Gascó Oliag, 1, 46010 Valencia, Spain