Diagnosis and Staging of Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw

Oral Maxillofac Surg Clin North Am. 2015 Nov;27(4):479-87. doi: 10.1016/j.coms.2015.06.008. Epub 2015 Aug 18.

Abstract

The relationship between osteonecrosis of the jaw and bisphosphonate therapy was initially established more than 10 years ago. Since that time our understanding of this disease process has evolved as the direct result of clinical, basic science, and animal research initiatives. Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a well-known entity now known to be associated with various antiresorptive therapies and recently with antiangiogenic medications. This article reviews the recently modified diagnostic criteria for MRONJ with a focus on the clinical, histopathologic, and imaging characteristics of this disease process.

Keywords: Antiangiogenic therapy; Antiresorptive therapy; Jaw necrosis; Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw; Osteonecrosis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Bisphosphonate-Associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaw / diagnosis
  • Bone Density Conservation Agents / adverse effects*
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Diphosphonates / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Jaw Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Jaw Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Jaw Diseases / pathology
  • Osteonecrosis / chemically induced*
  • Osteonecrosis / diagnosis*
  • Osteonecrosis / pathology
  • Terminology as Topic

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Bone Density Conservation Agents
  • Diphosphonates