What Researchers Did
Researchers evaluated the effectiveness of surgery and hyperbaric oxygen therapy for antiresorptive agent-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (ARONJ) in 252 patients with stage 2 or 3 disease at a single center.
What They Found
Out of 252 patients, 139 (55%) achieved healing, with a lower healing rate for stage 3 ARONJ compared to stage 2. Surgery demonstrated a therapeutic effect in both stage 2 and 3 ARONJ, while hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy was effective only in stage 2 ARONJ. For stage 2 ARONJ, extensive surgery was strongly associated with healing, but 46 or more sessions of HBO therapy were less associated with healing than no HBO.
Canadian Relevance
This study was conducted at a single center outside of Canada and does not have direct Canadian relevance.
Study Limitations
The study was conducted at a single center, which may limit the generalizability of its findings.