What Researchers Did
Researchers observed 91 patients with 115 sites of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) related to bisphosphonate therapy, retrospectively identifying 55 sites into four groups based on different medical and surgical treatments, including Er:YAG laser.
What They Found
The study found that temporary suspension of bisphosphonate therapy offered no short-term benefits for osteonecrosis of the jaw, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy was not recommended due to a lack of proven efficacy. Intermittent or continuous antibiotic therapy combined with surgical debridement was noted to be beneficial for symptom relief, and Er:YAG laser was presented as an alternative for removing necrotic bone.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified.
Study Limitations
This was a retrospective review of treatments already given rather than a randomised trial, the groups were small, and outcome data is reported for the Er:YAG laser group in more detail than for the comparison groups.