What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a network meta-analysis comparing different treatments for medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), including surgical approaches and HBOT, to rank their effectiveness.
What They Found
HBOT ranked second overall in healing rates with an 84.1% success rate, outperforming most non-surgical options and comparable to the best surgical protocols. The analysis included data from multiple randomized and cohort studies.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
MRONJ is a challenging complication affecting patients on bisphosphonate or denosumab therapy. Canadian oral surgeons and oncologists may consider HBOT as a high-ranked adjunctive option for refractory MRONJ cases.
Canadian Relevance
Covers an OHIP-relevant indication: osteoradionecrosis and radiation-related osteonecrosis of the jaw are OHIP-covered, and MRONJ shares overlapping mechanisms. Patients should discuss eligibility with their Ontario HBOT centre.
Study Limitations
Network meta-analyses pool studies with heterogeneous patient populations and treatment protocols, which can bias pooled estimates.