Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws and quality of life: review and structured analysis

Abstract

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) is a rare complication of bisphosphonates, or antiresorptive or antiangiogenic medication. Treatment is difficult as the bone has a poor capacity for healing, and further progression after surgery can occur. Quality of life (QoL) in patients with MRONJ has not been well documented. The aim of this study therefore was to identify and analyse data on QoL in this group of patients. Eight studies that were identified through a systematic search of the literature were qualitatively analysed. Overall, data on QoL are lacking and are complicated by concurrent disease such as cancer. Patients generally have a poor QoL because of MRONJ, and multiple oral-specific complaints including pain and problems with speech. Development of a questionnaire specific to patients with MRONJ would help improve the specificity of the data collected. Prospective questionnaires before and after intervention, including information on stage and comorbidities, would guide future treatment strategies.

Keywords: MRONJ; bisphosphonates; quality of life; review.