Epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, and management of MRONJ: A European multicenter study

J Stomatol Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2024 Sep;125(5S1):101931. doi: 10.1016/j.jormas.2024.101931. Epub 2024 May 29.

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this European multicenter study was to describe the general characteristics and risk factors of MRONJ lesions as well as their clinical diagnosis and management at different European Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery centers, in order to minimize selections biases and provide information about the epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, and the current trends in the treatment of MRONJ across Europe.

Materials and methods: The following data were registered for each patient: gender; age at MRONJ diagnosis; past medical history; indication for antiresorptive or antiangiogenic therapy; type of antiresorptive medication; local risk factor for MRONJ; MRONJ Stage; anatomic location and symptoms; treatment; surgical complications; recurrence.

Results: A total of 537 patients (375 females, 162 males) with MRONJ were included. Statistically significant associations were found between patients with metastatic bone disease and recurrences (P < 0.0005) and between advanced MRONJ stages (stages 2 and 3) and recurrences (P < 0.005). Statistically significant associations were also found between male gender and recurrences (P < 0.05), and between MRONJ maxillary sites and recurrences (P < 0.0000005).

Conclusions: A longer mean duration of antiresorptive medications before MRONJ onset was observed in patients affected by osteoporosis, whereas a shorter mean duration was observed in all metastatic bone cancer patients, and in particular in those affected by prostate cancer with bone metastases or multiple myeloma. Surgery plays an important role for the management of MRONJ lesions.

Keywords: Antiresorptive drugs; Epidemiology; MRONJ; Management; Osteonecrosis.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Bisphosphonate-Associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaw* / diagnosis
  • Bisphosphonate-Associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaw* / epidemiology
  • Bisphosphonate-Associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaw* / etiology
  • Bisphosphonate-Associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaw* / therapy
  • Bone Density Conservation Agents / therapeutic use
  • Europe / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Risk Factors
  • Sex Factors

Substances

  • Bone Density Conservation Agents