Refractory healing after surgical therapy of osteonecrosis of the jaw: associated risk factors in aged patients

Purpose: Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), both medication-related and non medication-related, mainly occurs in aged patients. It needs surgical intervention. Refractory healing after an operation of ONJ can significantly lower the quality of life of elderly patients. The purpose of this study was to determine risk factors associated with refractory healing in aged patients. Patients and methods: We performed a retrospective study of ONJ in aged patients who underwent surgical treatments in a single institute during a 12-year period. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine independent risk factors associated with refractory healing. Results: A total of 122 patients were included. Of them, 25 patients were identified as the refractory group and 97 patients as the control group. Diabetes mellitus (DM) (AOR=5.03, 95% CI: 1.74–14.52) and glucocorticoid administration (AOR=7.97, 95% CI: 2.52–25.23) were found to be significant risk factors for refractory healing of ONJ. Conclusion: DM and medication of glucocorticoid might be risk factors for refractory healing of ONJ.