Bisphosphonates and avascular necrosis of the mandible: Case report and review of the literature

Received 8 May 2006; accepted 6 June 2006. published online 05 September 2006.

Refers to article:

Jaw avascular osteonecrosis after treatment of multiple myeloma with zoledronate , 29 September 2006
J.V. Lobato, A.C. Maurício, J.M. Rodrigues, M.V. Cavaleiro, P.P. Cortez, L. Xavier, C. Botelho, N. Sooraj Hussain, J.D. Santos
Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery
January 2008 (Vol. 61, Issue 1, Pages 99-106)
Abstract | Full Text | Full-Text PDF (449 KB)

Summary

Background

Avascular necrosis of the mandible or maxilla is being recognized with increasing frequency in patients who are being treated with bisphosphonates for metastatic cancers.

Methods and results

A patient who was treated for avascular necrosis following treatment with bisphosphonates for multiple myeloma is presented.

Conclusion

Prophylactic and preventative measures should be instituted prior to commencing treatment with bisphosphonates to minimize the risk of developing avascular necrosis.

Keywords: Bisphosphonates, Avascular necrosis, Cancer, Head and neck, Case report

a Division of Plastic Surgery, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

b Wharton Head & Neck Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

c Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

d Department of Medical Oncology & Hematology, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Corresponding author. Division of Plastic Surgery, Toronto General Hospital, 8N-865 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada. Tel.: +1 416 340 3449; fax: +1 416 340 4403.

PII: S1748-6815(06)00481-5

doi:10.1016/j.bjps.2006.06.017

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