Bisphosphonate-induced osteonecrosis of the jaws: A case report and literature review

Abstract

Bisphosphonates are nonmetabolized analogues of pyrophosphate that are used for treating skeletal complications secondary to bone metastases. These drugs are capable of localizing to bone and inhibiting osteoclastic activity; however, their exact mechanisms of action remain unclear. Recently, it has been documented that administration of bisphosphonates has been associated with osteonecrosis of the jaws. This article details the case of a woman who received intravenous administration of bisphosphonate for metastatic breast cancer and subsequently developed osteonecrosis in both the maxillary and mandibular jaws.