What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a retrospective multicentric study of 60 patients with necrotic bone lesions of the jaws from July 2003 to October 2005 to investigate osteonecrosis related to bisphosphonate use.
What They Found
Among the 60 patients, necrotic bone involved the mandible in 50%, the maxilla in 37%, and both in 13%, with zoledronate being the most common bisphosphonate administered. A treatment protocol involving cessation of bisphosphonate therapy and long-term antibiotics led to high cure rates in 7 patients, whereas surgical restoration without prior cessation yielded discouraging results.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients taking bisphosphonates should be aware of the potential risk of osteonecrosis of the jaws, especially following dental procedures like tooth extractions. It is crucial for them to inform their dentists and physicians about their bisphosphonate use to ensure appropriate preventive measures and treatment strategies are considered.
Canadian Relevance
This retrospective study was conducted in Greece and does not have a direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
As a retrospective study, it is limited by potential selection bias, lack of a control group for treatment outcomes, and the small number of patients evaluated for the proposed treatment protocol.