Osteonecrosis of the jaw, a recently recognized sequela of bisphosphonate therapy: case report

In the oncologic setting, osteonecrosis, which generally occurs after a temporary or permanent loss of blood supply to the bones, is frequently caused by radiation or combined chemoradiation therapy, particularly in head and neck cancers. However, this well-recognized phenomenon remains relatively rare. Recently, cases of osteonecrosis of the jaw have been reported over a 2-year period, with the majority occuring in oncology patients, the only commonality being the use of bisphosphonate therapy. Herein, we report a patient with breast carcinoma metastatic to bone that developed osteonecrosis that ultimately resolved with supportive measures. She was successfully rechallenged with bisphosphates without recurrence or sequelae.