Osteonecrosis of the Jaw

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Oncology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is characterized by the death of jaw bone cells.
• It presents in several forms, including drug-induced, osteoradionecrosis, traumatic, non-traumatic, and spontaneous.
• Risk factors include medications, radiation therapy, trauma, infections, and underlying disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of osteonecrosis of the jaw.
• To classify the different types of ONJ and their etiologies.
• To outline the risk factors and treatment modalities for ONJ.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on osteonecrosis of the jaw.
• Classification of ONJ based on causative factors (drugs, radiation, trauma, etc.).
• Identification and summarization of key risk factors and treatment approaches.

Main Results:

• Drug-induced ONJ is linked to antiresorptive or antiangiogenic drugs, often exacerbated by microbial contamination and trauma.
• Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is a severe side effect of radiation therapy for head and neck cancers, defined by unhealed exposed bone.
• Non-traumatic and traumatic causes encompass infections, disorders, chemical exposure, and physical damage.

Conclusions:

• ONJ is a multifactorial condition with diverse etiologies and risk factors.
• Effective management strategies are crucial for improving patient quality of life.
• Treatment involves conservative measures or surgical debridement of necrotic bone.