[Bilateral bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the external ear canal : a rare case]

Osteonecrosis of the mandible is a well-known and dreaded complication after the administration of bisphosphonates. Only a few cases of bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the external ear canal have been described. Especially after long-lasting bisphosphonate therapy, for example in patients with multiple myeloma, an ulceration of the floor of the bony external auditory canal should be treated surgically and be distinguished from radioosteonecrosis, malignant external otitis, or carcinoma of the external ear.