New From PubMed:

Researchers at the cancer center of the University of Arizona in Tucson reviewed cases of osteonecrosis of the jaw among patients taking bisphosphonates to determine if an association exists between the two. Bisphosphonates are a class of drugs that inhibit osteoclast function, thereby impacting bone reformation. The researchers excluded patients taking bisphosphonates as part of a treatment plan for cancer from this study. Of the 99 patients in the study who developed osteonecrosis of the jaw after taking bisphosphonates for an indication other than cancer, 85 were osteoporosis patients, 10 had Paget’s disease, 2 had rheumatoid arthritis, 1 had diabetes, and 1 had maxillary fibrous dysplasia. The mean age of the study participants was 69.4 years, and 87.3% were female. Factors identified that are associated with the development of osteonecrosis of the jaw among bisphosphonate users include having dental work performed, taking additional bone-impacting medication, and additional underlying health conditions.

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