• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.55 no.4
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• pp.433-437
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• 2017

Pentastomiasis, a zoonotic parasite infection, is typically found in the respiratory tract and viscera of the host, including humans. Here, we report for the first time an extremely rare case of intraosseous pentastomiasis in the human maxilla suffering from medication related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). A 55-year-old male had continuously visited the hospital for MRONJ which had primarily developed after bisphosphonate and anti-neoplastic administration for previous bone metastasis of medullary thyroid cancer. Pain, bone exposure, and pus discharge in the right mandible and left maxilla were seen. Osteolysis with maxillary cortical bone perforation at the left buccal vestibule, palate, nasal cavity, and maxillary sinus was observed by radiologic images. A biopsy was done at the left maxilla and through pathological evaluation, a parasite with features of pentastome was revealed within the necrotic bone tissue. Further history taking and laboratory evaluation was done. The parasite was suspected to be infected through maxillary open wounds caused by MRONJ. Awareness of intraosseous pentastomiasis should be emphasized not to be missed behind the MRONJ. Proper evaluation and interpretation for past medical history may lead to correct differential diagnosis and therapeutic intervention for parasite infections.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.53 no.1
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• pp.39-45
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• 2015

Loss of continuity of the mandible destroys the balance and symmetry of mandibular function, leading to altered mandibular movements and deviation of the residual fragment towards the resected side. Apart from deviation, other dysfunctions include difficulty in swallowing, speech, mandibular movements, mastication, and respiration are accompanied. In general, surgical reconstruction is considered first then proceeds to the prosthetic restorations. However, patients with systemic disease such as BRONJ (Bisphosphonate related osteonecrosis of the Jaw), surgical reconstruction may be limited. Thus, the prosthetic restoration remains as the only resort. Numerous prosthetic methods are employed to minimize deviation and to improve masticatory efficiency, function and esthetics. If a removable partial denture is the selected treatment modality, maximum stability of the partial denture base may be accomplished with a functional impression procedure by means of eliminating lateral and horizontal forces caused by the functional movements of the lips, cheeks and tongue. Also, Twin occlusion is used to obtain a favorable occlusal relationship and check support for esthetics. The purpose of this case report is to demonstrate how neutral zone impression technique and twin occlusion scheme were applied to restore a hemi-mandiblectomy patient with BRONJ syndrome to achieve satisfactory results in functional and esthetic aspects.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.73-80
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• 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) imaging and histopathological characteristics of osteoradionecrosis(ORN) and medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw(MRONJ). Materials and Methods: Ten surgical specimens from segmental mandibulectomy (3 ORN and 7 MRONJ) were analyzed using CBCT. The CBCT parameters were as follows: high-resolution mode (tube voltage, 90.0 kV; tube current, 4.00 mA; rotation time, 16.8 s; field of view, 56 mm×56 mm; thickness, 0.099 mm). Histopathological characteristics were evaluated using histological slides of the surgical specimens. The Pearson chi-square test was used to compare ORN and MRONJ in terms of CBCT findings(internal texture, sequestrum, periosteal reaction and cortical perforation) and histopathological characteristics(necrotic bone, inflammatory cells, reactive bone formation, bacteria, Actinomyces, and osteoclasts). A P value less than 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. Results: MRONJ showed periosteal reaction on CBCT more frequently than ORN (7 of 7 [100%] vs. 0 of 3 [0%], P<0.05). Regarding histopathological characteristics, MRONJ showed osteoclasts more frequently than ORN (6 of 7 [85.7%] vs. 0 of 3 [0%], P<0.05). Conclusion: This study evaluated the CBCT imaging and histopathological characteristics of ORN and MRONJ, and the findings suggest that CBCT could be useful for the evaluation of ORN and MRONJ.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.40
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• pp.17.1-17.7
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• 2018

Background: Bisphosphonate (BP) has the ability to thicken the cortical bone. In addition, it has been reported that the cortical bone thickened by BP has relation to the medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). Therefore, the objective of this article is to analyze the ratio as well as thickness of cortical bone in the mandible using computed tomography (CT) and to evaluate it as the predictive factor of MRONJ. Methods: The thickness of the cortical bone was measured on a paraxial view of the CT showing the mental foramen in 95 patients: 33 patients with MRONJ (3 males, 30 females), 30 patients taking BP without MRONJ (2 males, 28 females), and 32 controls (9 males, 28 females). Also, the ratios of the cortical bone to the total bone were obtained using the measured values. Based on these results, we compared the difference of mandibular cortical bone ratio between the three groups. Results: The average cortical bone thickness was measured as 3.81 mm in patients with MRONJ, 3.39 mm in patients taking BP without MRONJ, and 3.23 mm in controls. There was only a significant difference between patients with MRONJ and controls (P < 0.05). On the other hand, the average mandibular cortical bone ratio was measured as 37.9% in patients with MRONJ, 27.9% in patients taking BP without MRONJ, and 23.3% in controls. There was a significant difference between all groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The mandibular cortical bone ratio is large in order of patients with MRONJ, patients taking BP without MRONJ, and controls. This result suggests that the mandibular cortical bone ratio would be very useful to predict the development of MRONJ.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.281-286
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• 2019

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the morphology of the mandibular cortex in cases of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) in patients with osteoporosis or bone metastases using a computer programme. Materials and Methods: Fifty-four patients with MRONJ (35 with osteoporosis and 19 with bone metastases) were examined using panoramic radiography. The morphology of the mandibular cortex was evaluated using a computer programme that scanned the mandibular inferior cortex and automatically assessed the mandibular cortical index (MCI) according to the thickness and roughness of the mandibular cortex, as follows: normal (class 1), mildly to moderately eroded (class 2), or severely eroded (class 3). The MCI classifications of MRONJ patients with osteoporosis or bone metastases were evaluated with the Pearson chi-square test. In these analyses, a 5% significance level was used. Results: The MCI of MRONJ patients with osteoporosis(class 1: 6, class 2: 15, class 3: 14) tended to be higher than that of patients with bone metastases(class 1: 14, class 2: 5, class 3: 0)(P=0.000). Conclusion: The use of a computer programme to assess mandibular cortex morphology may be an effective technique for the objective and quantitative evaluation of the MCI in MRONJ patients with osteoporosis or bone metastases.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.39-44
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• 2024

Background: Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a significant concern, particularly among patients taking bisphosphonates (BPs), denosumab, and selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) for osteoporosis. Despite the known risks, large-scale cohort studies examining the incidence and severity of MRONJ are lacking. We aimed to ascertain the incidence and risk of MRONJ among these patients, whom we stratified by age groups, medication types, and duration of use. Methods: We utilized data from the National Health Insurance Service's sample cohort database, focusing on patients aged 40 years and above diagnosed with osteoporosis. The patients were divided into three groups: those prescribed BPs only, those prescribed SERMs only, and those prescribed both. Results: The overall incidence rate of MRONJ was 0.17%. A significantly higher incidence rate was observed among those taking osteoporosis medications, particularly among females with a relative risk of 4.99 (95% confidence interval, 3.21-7.74). The SERM group also had an incidence rate comparable to that of the BP group. Severity was assessed based on the invasiveness of the treatment methods, with 71.3% undergoing invasive treatment in the medication group. Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into the incidence and severity of MRONJ among a large cohort of patients with osteoporosis. It underscores the need for comprehensive guidance on MRONJ risks across different medication groups and sets the stage for future research focusing on specific populations and treatment outcomes.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.103-109
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• 2024

Teriparatide has been effective in treating people diagnosed with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). However, its efficacy is not well established to be accepted as a standard of care. The objective of this paper was to investigate the efficacy of recombinant human parathyroid hormone for the treatment of MRONJ. We report three cases of MRONJ patients with osteoporosis as the primary disease who were treated with a teriparatide agent along with other adjunctive measures. Each patient was administered a teriparatide injection subcutaneously for 16 weeks, 36 weeks, or 60 weeks. Surgical intervention including partial resection, sequestrectomy, decortication, and saucerization took place during the teriparatide administration. Complete lesion resolution was identified clinically and radiographically in all three patients. In patients diagnosed with MRONJ, teriparatide therapy is an efficacious and safe therapeutic option to improve healing of bone lesions. These findings demonstrate that teriparatide in combination with another therapy, especially bone morphogenetic protein, platelet-rich fibrin, or antibiotic therapy, can be an effective protocol for MRONJ.

• Journal of International Society for Simulation Surgery
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.1-6
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• 2015

Purpose Bisphophonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) is an emerging problem. Extensive osteonecrosis of the jaw needs free flap reconstruction. Free fibular flap is the most useful flap for maxilla-mandibular hard and soft tissue reconstruction. The advantages of fibular free flap are simultaneous soft and hard tissue reconstruction and placing implant in reconstructed mandible and maxilla. In this study, four consecutive BRONJ patients who underwent fibula free flap reconstruction using simulation surgery were reviewed. Materials and Methods Four BRONJ patients who underwent free fibula reconstruction between May 2006 and September 2014 were included in this study. Male to female ratio was 1:3 and average age was 67.3 years old (62-70). All patients need mandibular bone reconstruction. Three patients suffered from osteoporosis and one male patient had multiple myeloma. Postoperative flap survival, functional reconstruction, esthetic results, food taking were evaluated. Results Three osseous flaps and one osteocutaneous flap were used. All the fibular flaps were survived and patients were recovered without complications. Oro-cutaneous fistula was resolved after operation. All patients were satisfied with the esthetic results. Patients reported improved solid food intake after operation with partial denture. One fully edentulous patient had semi-fluid diet after operation. Conclusion Treatment of the BRONJ is difficult due to lack of standard protocol. Fibular free flap using simulation surgery is the workhorse flap for mandibular hard and soft tissue reconstruction, especially in stage III BRONJ patient. In this study, functional and esthetic results were successful in all patients. Normal diet was possible with partial dentures.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.20-24
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• 2021

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the profile of patients on antiresorptive therapies for cancer treatment and assess presence of oral lesions, oral hygiene status, and knowledge regarding medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). Materials and Methods: This was an observational cross-sectional study that evaluated patients treated with antiresorptive medication at a single cancer hospital. Clinical data were collected and oral examination was performed to assess patient oral health. Results: From July 2017 to December 2018, 90 patients were assessed; 64 were female and 26 were male, and the mean age was 61 years. The most common drug was an intravenous bisphosphonate, zoledronic acid. Among the 90 patients, 47 presented with some type of oral disease, isolated or associated. Among these 47 patients, 9 patients (10%) developed osteonecrosis. Oral hygiene was evaluated, and most patients, with or without MRONJ, presented with regular to poor condition. Regarding patient knowledge of the risks of MRONJ and the risks associated with dental surgery, 60% stated that they were not aware of the risks. Conclusion: Identifying the profile of patients and their needs facilitates not only the preventive process, but also the emergence of new therapeutic options. Our study shows that most patients are weakened both by metastatic disease and antineoplastic treatment as well as by issues associated with aging because most were over 60 years of age. Collectively, this information should be considered for management of preventive and therapeutic measures.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.16-22
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• 2010

Objective: Bisphosphonate related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) is reported in patients taken bisphosphonate for a long time, however, the mechanism of osteonecrosis in BRONJ was not clarified yet. This study was designed to investigate the effect of short administraion zoledronate on the healing pattern of periosteum and sinus membrane after iliac bone graft into maxillary sinus. Methods: In this study, 18 Newzeland rabbits were used. The animals were divided into 2 group. In the experimental group, rabbits were treated with weekly peritoneal injection (0.06 mg/kg/week) of zoledronate for three times. In the control group, rabbits were treated with saline solution injection instead of zoledronate. Periosteum and sinus membrane were harvested from one rabbit of the experimental group and one of the control group in the fourth week. The autogeneous bone was harvested from ilium and grafted into maxillary sinus. The rabbits were sacrificed at 1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks after bone graft. The healing pattern of periosteum and sinus membrane were evaluated histologically. Results: Inflammatory reaction in the periosteum was less conspicuous and healing process appeared earlier in experimental group compared with control group at 1, 2, 4 weeks. There were no differences of microscopic findings of sinus membrane between both groups at any weeks. Conclusion: Short-term use of zoledronate decreased the inflammatory reaction and enhanced healing process in the periosteum. These findings suggest the possibility that zoledronte suppress the function of macrophages.