Outcome of treatment and parameters influencing recurrence in patients with bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws

Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ) is now a well-recognised entity which is difficult to manage and often recurs. The aim of this study was to examine the success of resection of the necrotic bone and identify risk factors for recurrence in these patients. One hundred and eight patients were evaluated prospectively and investigated at least twice. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors independently associated with the dependent variable of recurrence of BRONJ. Factors influencing the development of recurrence of BRONJ were the presence of bacterial bone infection of the necrotic area (P = 0.011), type of treatment (either conservative or surgical, P = 0.001) with a lower recurrence rate for surgically treated patients, extent of surgical treatment with better outcome in larger resections (P < 0.0001), number of debridements performed (P < 0.0001), and the extent of radiographic appearance of osteolysis assessed by dental panoramic tomogram (P = 0.028). An increased risk for recurrence can be found in cases with bacterial bone infection of the necrotic area, type of conservative or surgical treatment, extent of surgical treatment with better outcome in larger resections, and the number of debridements performed. Microvascular tissue transfer should be considered in selected cases if other options have been exhausted.