Surgical treatment of medication-related osteonecrosis of the upper jaw: Case series

Purpose The management of maxillary medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is challenging. Therefore, identifying the proper treatment is important. This study aimed to evaluate the surgical treatment of maxillary MRONJ using single-layer closure with mucoperiosteal flap and double-layer closure with buccal fat pad flap (BFPF) and mucoperiosteal flap and to find the outcomes after rehabilitation with obturators. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted and included all surgically treated and followed-up maxillary MRONJ cases in a single center. Demographics and clinical data, stage of MRONJ, surgical treatment, and treatment outcome were collected. Results Seventy-nine lesions were included. Removal of necrotic bone was followed by coverage with mucoperiosteal flap in 60 lesions and BFPF in 14 lesions. Seven lesions (five primarily and two following unsuccessful treatment with BFPF) underwent necrectomy and were reconstructed with obturators. Complete mucosal healing was achieved in 76.7% of the lesions covered with mucoperiosteal flap. BFPF led to complete mucosal healing in 85.7% of the lesions. No complications were observed in the defects rehabilitated with obturators. Conclusion Removal of necrotic bone followed by closure with mucoperiosteal flap is reliable for MRONJ treatment. BFPF is effective for closure of MRONJ-related oroantral communications (OACs).