Vohra F A, Sheikh M A.
Osteonecrosis of the jawbones in patients treated with Bisphosphonates for multiple myeloma.
J Surg Pak Jan ;13(3):132-6.

Bisphosphonates, particularly those administered through infusions (pamidronate and zolidronate) are commonly used in the therapy of metastatic bone diseases. Although the mechanism is not well understood yet, efficacy of these agents in reducing bone pain, hypercalcemia and skeletal complications has been widely accepted. In the past few years it has been recognized that osteonecrosis of jaw bones can sometimes develop in relation to long term bisphosphonate treatment spontaneously or in relation to dental procedures. We present summaries of six cases of jaw osteonecrosis, all being females and diagnosed with multiple myeloma with a mean age of 62 years, median number of treatment cycles of bisphosphonates given was 44 infusions and the mean time of exposure was 45 months, demonstrating possible relation between osteonecrosis jaw and long term bisphosphonate therapy in order to create awareness of this possible complication within the health care community.

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