The assessment of surgical and non-surgical treatment of stage II medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw

BACKGROUND: Non-surgical treatment has generally been recommended for stage II medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) in preference to surgery. However, non-surgical treatment is not empirically effective. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether surgical or non-surgical treatment leads to better outcomes for stage II MRONJ. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, surgery was performed in a total of 28 patients while 24 patients underwent non-surgical treatment. The outcomes of both treatment approaches after 6 months were evaluated and statistically compared. In addition, risk factors for surgical and non-surgical treatments were assessed for each. RESULTS: Surgical treatment in 25 patients (89.3%) resulted in success, with failure in 3 patients (10.7%). Non-surgical treatment was successful for 8 patients (33.3%) and failed in 16 patients (66.7%). There was therefore a significant difference between surgical and non-surgical treatment outcomes (P<0.01). Regarding risk factors, in non-surgical treatment primary diseases, medications, and drug holiday had a significant effect on outcomes (P<0.01). Risk factors for surgical treatment could not be clarified. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment is more effective than non-surgical treatment for stage II MRONJ, and drug holiday, primary disease, and medication constitute risk factors in non-surgical treatment. Key words:Bisphosphonate, bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw, denosumab, management, medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw.