Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is characterized by necrosis of the jawbone with intraoral bacterial infection and has a significant negative impact on oral health-related quality of life. Risk factors for the onset are unknown, and definitive therapeutic approaches have not yet been defined. A case-control study at a single institution in Mishima City was conducted. The purpose of this study was to examine in detail the factors that contribute to the development of MRONJ.
Medical records of MRONJ patients who visited Mishima Dental Center, Nihon University School of Dentistry, during the period 2015-2021 were extracted. Counter-matched sampling design was used to select participants matched for sex, age, and smoking for this nested case-control study. The incidence factors were statistically examined by logistic regression analysis.
Twelve MRONJ patients were used as cases and 32 controls were matched. After adjustment for potential confounders, injectable bisphosphonates (aOR = 24.5; 95% CI = 1.05, 575.0; P < 0.05) were significantly associated with the development of MRONJ.
High-dose bisphosphonates may be a risk factor for the development of MRONJ. Patients who use these products require careful prophylactic dental treatment against inflammatory diseases, and dentists and physicians should maintain close communication.