Osteonecrosis of the Jaw and Bisphosphonates

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Abstract
Cases of osteonecrosis of the jaw in connection with the use of bisphosphonates were reported in 2003.1,2 In 2004, the International Myeloma Foundation conducted a Web-based survey to assess the risk factors for osteonecrosis of the jaw. Of 1203 respondents, 904 had myeloma and 299 breast cancer. Both osteonecrosis and suspicious findings, including bone erosions and spurs plus exposed bone, were assessed. Sixty-two patients with myeloma had osteonecrosis of the jaw and 54 had suspicious findings; 13 patients with breast cancer had osteonecrosis and 23 had suspicious findings — a total of 152 patients with either osteonecrosis or suspicious findings. Of the patients with myeloma, 71 percent had received zoledronic acid and 29 percent had received only pamidronate.