Outcomes of osseous free flap reconstruction in stage III bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: systematic review and a new case series

Vascularised periosteal free flap reconstruction for medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: a case series

Introduction: The standard of care for medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) involves anti-biotics and local debridement to promote tissue healing over exposed bone. We compare outcomes for patients with advanced MRONJ managed with vascularised periosteal radial forearm free flap (RFFF) ver-sus local nasolabial flap and conservative dental measures. Methods: A retrospective case series of patients presenting to the Alfred Hospital for evaluation and man-agement of stage II or above MRONJ between 1 January 2014 and 30 June 2018. The hospital database was searched And a medical record review performed. Results of pre- and post-treatment imaging were ana-lysed bya single senior radiologist blinded to treatment modality . Asymptomatic wound closure, radio-logical evidence of disease cessation and patient satisfaction at six months post-treatment according to treatment type were assessed. Results: Of the ten patients included in the study, four received dental measures, three received local na-solabial flap and three received RFFF flap. All flap reconstruction (6/6) showed asymptomatic wound clo-sure and patient satisfaction at six months follow-up compared to patients managed with dental measures (1/4). All RFFF patients (3/3) showed increased bone deposition radiologically at six months compared to the dental group who showed a mixed (3/4) picture or worsened (1/4) picture. Nasolabial flap patients showed a mixed (2/3) or improved radiological picture (1/3). Conclusion: MRONJ is a relapsing disease. Preliminary evidence suggests that radical debridement with local nasolabial flap or RFFF reconstruction for advanced MRONJ is more effective at halting the disease and alleviating morbidity than conservative dental measures alone.

Evaluation of segmental mandibular resection without microvascular reconstruction in patients affected by medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: a systematic review

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a severe condition that affects the jaw in patients exposed to specific drugs. More often it has been described in association with bisphosphonates (BP), but nowadays it has been observed with the use of other medications, such as denosumab (a RANK ligand inhibitor and monoclonal antibody agent) and antiangiogenic drugs. Managing the condition has unfortunately proven difficult and still remains a major challenge for clinicians and surgeons. The aim of this systematic review was to identify and analyse the evidence on mandibular segmental resection in patients with advanced MRONJ. A multi-database (PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) systematic search was performed. Any type of study on human patients treated with antiresorptive and antiangiogenic drugs was considered. The primary aim was to understand the success of mandibular segmental resection in the short, medium, and long term, and to understand its effects before, during, and after the operation. The search yielded 11 studies that were eligible for analysis with a total of 67 patients. Of the 11 studies, seven reported no complications, and overall, postoperative complications were seen in 16 cases. Recurrence of osteonecrosis was reported in one study. The most common postoperative complication was removal of hardware (n = 11). The mean (SD) follow-up time for eight studies was 35.57 (17.73) months. According to the limited data available in the literature, mandibular segmental resection is a viable treatment that has been used successfully in patients with various stages of MRONJ. The data show a relatively high percentage of recurrence. Additional data based on a larger cohort of patients or case-control studies are necessary to justify routine use of this type of intervention in patients affected by the condition.

Mandibulectomy Reconstruction with Pectoralis Major Island Flap Associated with Primary Reconstruction Plate for Mandibular Medication-Related Osteonecrosis

A bimaxillary edentulous male patient, aged 67 years, diagnosed with prostate cancer who underwent intravenous bisphosphonates treatment (zoledronic acid) for about one year presented with pain in the anterior mandibular arch, with exposed necrotic bone, and was diagnosed with stage 2 medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). MRONJ is the development of bone necrosis in the oral cavity as an adverse reaction in patients treated with antiresorptive and antiangiogenic medication, without radiation therapy to the head and neck. This persistent bone necrosis does not always respond to standard treatments. The reconstruction technique with pectoralis major flap, at a distance, associated with the primary reconstruction plate, was an effective treatment modality for the treatment of large osteonecrosis noncompliant with conservatory treatments. Through this technique, the morpho-functionality of the jaw can be restored almost completely.

Fibula free flap in maxillomandibular reconstruction. Factors related to osteosynthesis plates' complications

The aim of this paper is to identify risk factors associated with the development of osteosynthesis plates' related complications in fibula free flap reconstructions. This is a case series study of consecutive fibula free flaps. Clinical and radiological variables were recorded. Patient outcomes were evaluated with special attention to osteosynthesis plates' related complications; these included plate exposure, plate fracture, loosening of screws, non-union, bone resorption, oro-cutaneous fistulas, and bone exposure. We have done a descriptive analysis, univariate analysis, and multivariate logistic regression model to explore possible risk factors for osteosynthesis plates' related complications. Data analysis was performed using R software (version 3.5.0). 111 fibula free flaps were studied. 29 patients (26.1%) developed osteosynthesis plates' related complications. The mean time to osteosynthesis plates' related complications was 22 months; range (1-120); the median and mode were 12 months. Patients with preoperative radiotherapy (34% vs 14%, p = 0.021), and secondary reconstruction (31% vs 15%, p = 0.053) had a higher incidence of osteosynthesis plates' related complications. In the univariate analysis, "preoperative radiotherapy" (OR 3.07, 95%CI = 1.139-8.242, p = 0.025) and "extraoral soft-tissue defect" (OR 2.907, 95%CI = 1.032-8.088, p = 0.042) were risk factors for osteosynthesis plates' related complications. We have observed an interaction effect: patients with mandibular Brown's classes III + IV and "secondary reconstruction" have a higher risk for osteosynthesis plates' related complications; more than 47.30 times compared to Brown's class I and "primary reconstruction" (p = 0.026). Different factors may contribute to the development of osteosynthesis plates' related complications. Our study adds important information about these. Patients with higher risk of developing complications should be informed that a second intervention to remove the plates might be necessary.

Surgical treatment of medication-related osteonecrosis of the upper jaw: Case series

PURPOSE

The management of maxillary medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is challenging. Therefore, identifying the proper treatment is important. This study aimed to evaluate the surgical treatment of maxillary MRONJ using single-layer closure with mucoperiosteal flap and double-layer closure with buccal fat pad flap (BFPF) and mucoperiosteal flap and to find the outcomes after rehabilitation with obturators.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted and included all surgically treated and followed-up maxillary MRONJ cases in a single center. Demographics and clinical data, stage of MRONJ, surgical treatment, and treatment outcome were collected.

RESULTS

Seventy-nine lesions were included. Removal of necrotic bone was followed by coverage with mucoperiosteal flap in 60 lesions and BFPF in 14 lesions. Seven lesions (five primarily and two following unsuccessful treatment with BFPF) underwent necrectomy and were reconstructed with obturators. Complete mucosal healing was achieved in 76.7% of the lesions covered with mucoperiosteal flap. BFPF led to complete mucosal healing in 85.7% of the lesions. No complications were observed in the defects rehabilitated with obturators.

CONCLUSION

Removal of necrotic bone followed by closure with mucoperiosteal flap is reliable for MRONJ treatment. BFPF is effective for closure of MRONJ-related oroantral communications (OACs).

Nonsurgical Management of Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaws Using Local Wound Care

PURPOSE

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) is a known complication of antiresorptive medications with surgical and nonsurgical treatment options. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of nonsurgical therapy using local wound care on management of MRONJ lesions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The authors conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients who presented to the University of California-Los Angeles School of Dentistry Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic for evaluation and treatment of MRONJ. The primary predictor variable was wound care score; secondary predictors were demographics (age, gender), anatomic location, primary condition, and type and time of antiresorptive treatment. Outcomes assessed were disease resolution and time to disease resolution. Statistical analysis was carried out using the Spearman correlation for continuous and ordinal variables or the χ2 test for categorical variables. Time-to-event statistics and Cox proportional hazards models were calculated; a Kaplan-Meier plot was generated to assess time to healing.

RESULTS

One hundred six patients with 117 MRONJ lesions were treated using local wound care; complete disease resolution was observed 71% of lesions, with an additional 22% of lesions undergoing disease improvement. Wound care score was statistically associated with disease resolution and time to resolution, whereas demographics, anatomic site, condition, and type and time of antiresorptive treatment had no effect on resolution.

CONCLUSION

Local wound care increased the likelihood of MRONJ resolution and decreased the time to disease resolution. This strategy can be used in patients who cannot undergo surgery and should be implemented in all patients with MRONJ lesions who are managed nonsurgically.

Microsurgical Reconstruction of the Jaws Using Vascularised Free Flap Technique in Patients with Medication-Related Osteonecrosis: A Systematic Review

Background

Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) has been reported to be associated with patients receiving primarily bisphosphonate (BP) therapies. However, lately it has been documented that other medications, such as RANK ligand inhibitor (denosumab) and antiangiogenic drug, can cause ONJ. Micro-osseous-vascular reconstruction of the jaws in patients affected by medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw represents a viable option of treatment for patients affected by stage III of the disease. However, there are still considerable doubts about the success of this procedure in the short, medium, and long term.

Material and Methods

A multidatabase (PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL) systematic search was performed. Any type of studies considering human patients treated with antiresorptive and antiangiogenic drugs was considered. The aim of the research is to primarily understand the success rate of micro-osseous-vascular reconstruction in the short, medium, and long period of time. This review has also the goal of better understanding any perioperative and postoperative complications resulting from the use of the reconstruction techniques.

Results

Eighteen studies resulted eligible for the study. Fibula free flap is the most commonly utilised vascularised free flap reconstruction technique (80.76%). Ten out of eighteen studies reported no complications. Recurrence of osteonecrosis was registered in five cases (6.41%) after free flap reconstruction. The overall free flap success rate was 96.16%.

Conclusions

Based on the limited data available in literature (Level 4 of the Oxford Evidence-based medicine scale), micro-osseous-vascular reconstruction of the jaws represents a valid treatment in patients with bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis at stage III of the disease. However, additional data based on a larger cohort of patients are necessary to justify this type of intervention in patient affected by MRONJ.

Surgical resection and vascularized bone reconstruction in advanced stage medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw

A retrospective review of all patients with stage 3 medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), treated by surgical resection and immediate vascularized bone reconstruction at a tertiary care medical center, was performed. Eleven patients were included, seven female and four male; their mean age was 65.8 years (range 56-73 years). Mean follow-up was 25 months. Ten patients had received intravenous bisphosphonates. The most common pathology was breast cancer (4/11). Pain (n=8) and pathological fracture (n=7) were the most common presenting symptoms. Microvascular free flaps consisted of seven fibula osteocutaneous flaps and four scapula osteocutaneous free flaps. All patients reported resolution of symptoms, with complete bone union identified radiographically (100%). Complications occurred in three patients (27%). One patient required removal of hardware at 8 months postoperative. Dental implant rehabilitation was completed in two patients. Ten patients are tolerating an oral diet. Ten patients are alive without evidence of MRONJ at any of the surgical sites. One patient died 28 months after surgery from progression of metastatic disease. Advanced MRONJ can be successfully treated in patients using vascularized tissue transfer, including those patients with significant peripheral vascular disease. Dental rehabilitation is a viable option for advanced MRONJ patients treated by vascularized flap reconstruction.

Resection and microvascular reconstruction of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: The role of microvascular reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Current treatment guidelines caution against osseous reconstruction using free flap tissue to treat bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ). The primary rationale for this stance is the theoretical risk of nonunion and recurrence of disease within the reconstruction. Emerging evidence suggests that these theoretical risks may be overestimated. We performed a literature review of this procedure for the treatment of advanced BRONJ. We also present a new case report of resection and microvascular reconstruction in a 58-year-old man with stage III BRONJ.

METHODS

A MEDLINE search was performed to gather all reports of maxillary and mandibular reconstruction using free tissue flap transfer for BRONJ. Inclusion criteria were confirmed stage II or III BRONJ, free tissue transfer and reconstruction, and reported complications. Articles were excluded if they contained only local flap reconstruction, wound closure without reconstruction, or osteoradionecrosis. Outcomes from our case report were added to the analysis.

RESULTS

We identified 10 articles that met criteria. Adding our case, we identified 40 cases of free flap reconstruction. The rate of nonunion was 5% (2 of 40). Fistulas formed in 4 cases (10%). BRONJ recurred in 2 cases (5%).

CONCLUSION

Complication rates after free flap microvascular reconstruction in BRONJ seem acceptable. Nonunion is relatively rare and should not be the sole reason to recommend against free flap reconstruction. A randomized clinical trial would help clarify the role of this procedure in refractory BRONJ; however, we believe that segmental resection and microvascular reconstruction is a viable option in select cases of BRONJ. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38:1278-1285, 2016.

The role of mylohyoid flap in the treatment of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws

INTRODUCTION

Surgical treatment of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ) combines excision of adequate damaged bone and watertight coverage by appropriate vascularized tissue. Local tissues are preferred when possible. This study compares local mucoperiosteal flaps with mylohyoid flaps with special emphasis on their influence on wound healing.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 195 patients with BRONJ in the mandible were included in this prospective study. The control group (n = 169) were treated with a mucoperiosteal flap, whereas patients of the study group (n = 26) received a mylohyoid flap.

RESULTS

Recurrence of BRONJ was significantly reduced (p = 0.023) as was extent of necrosis (p = 0.001) in patients with mylohyoid flaps.

DISCUSSION

This study demonstrates the importance of a sufficient mucosal coverage in surgical treatment of BRONJ. The mylohyoid flap provides an additional tissue coverage, which seems to account for the significantly reduced rate of disease recurrence.

CONCLUSION

The vascularized mylohyoid flap is an important tool in the complex and challenging surgical care of BRONJ.

Introducing a protocol to create bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw in rat animal model

OBJECTIVE

Previously published animal investigations on bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ) showed a variety of methods for BRONJ induction and inconsistent findings. The aim of present study was to develop a reliable protocol for BRONJ induction in rat animal model.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

In a pilot study, 64 rats were randomly divided into 4 groups and 16 subgroups (each containing 2 experimental and 2 control rats) based on the timing of tooth extraction and euthanasia. The experimental and control rats received intraperitoneal injection of 0.06 mg/kg zoledronate and saline, respectively, once a week until sacrificed, and evaluated for presence of bone exposure clinically, and osteonecrosis and new bone formation histologically. The protocol that successfully produced BRONJ in pilot study was tested in a randomized controlled experimental investigation using 45 rats.

RESULTS

In pilot investigation, the highest rate of BRONJ was obtained after four weekly zoledronate injections, at least 4 weeks after tooth extraction. The randomized controlled experimental study verified this finding with a success rate of 83%, and also showed that more prolongation of zoledronate therapy did not increase the BRONJ rate.

CONCLUSION

The protocol developed in the present study could be used reliably for future BRONJ investigations on rats.

Free flap reconstruction for patients with bisphosphonate related osteonecrosis of the jaws after mandibulectomy

INTRODUCTION

Bisphosphonate related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ) is a recognised unwanted effect of these drugs which affect bone remodelling. Treatment options range from conservative approaches through local bone debridement to free flap reconstruction following segmental resection. This current study aims to evaluate clinical outcomes after microvascular tissue transfer in BRONJ patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 212 BRONJ patients were included in this prospective investigation. Those who met defined inclusion criteria and received a surgical intervention were reviewed regularly during a follow-up period of at least 6 months.

RESULTS

Twenty-five patients (11.8%) received free flap reconstructions. A mean of 2.12 local debridements were performed before microvascular tissue transfer. A mean of 29.25% showed BRONJ recurrence after minimalist surgical intervention, compared to significantly less in patients after resection and free flap reconstruction. The postoperative fistula rate was significantly higher in patients, who received mucoperiosteal flaps.

DISCUSSION

This study underlines the importance and effectiveness radical resection and free flap reconstruction in the complex and challenging surgical treatment of BRONJ patients in a large patient cohort study. Nevertheless, all patients received radical intervention after failure of minimally invasive treatment. An individualized analysis and planning is necessary to identify appropriate patients for free flap reconstructions.

Outcomes of microvascular free flap reconstruction for mandibular osteoradionecrosis: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Osteoradionecrosis of the mandible is a devastating complication of radiotherapy in patients with head and neck cancer. Many cases present at a late stage, from months to years following completion of radiation therapy. When medical treatment fails, surgery may be required with a variety of free flaps available for microvascular reconstructive techniques.

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a systematic review of the literature investigating the outcomes of free flap reconstruction of the jaw in mandibular osteoradionecrosis and determine the failure rates of different flap tissue.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed using Medline (Ovid) Pubmed and Embase databases and Google Scholar. Primary outcome measures were flap failures and complications, with donor site complications representing the secondary outcome measure. Analysis of pooled outcomes was undertaken for different flaps.

RESULTS

333 articles were identified and 15 articles met the final inclusion criteria, detailing 368 primary free tissue flap transfers. There was a flap failure rate of 9.8%. There were 146 post-operative complications (39.7%), the most common being fistula formation (8.4%), hardware plate exposure (7.1%) and flap wound infections (6.5%).

CONCLUSION

The fibula is the workhorse free flap for reconstruction in mandibular osteoradionecrosis. Evidence to date is largely limited with the need for larger powered multi-institutional prospective studies to determine the ideal flap donor tissue and evaluate patient and treatment predictors of free flap outcomes in order to tailor the best patient-based surgical approach for mandibular osteoradionecrosis.

Perioperative discontinuation of intravenous bisphosphonate therapy reduces the incidence and severity of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: A randomized, controlled, prospective experimental study in rats

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of intravenous bisphosphonate discontinuation on incidence and severity of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Seventy rats were randomly divided into 7 groups. In control and S0 groups, weekly injection of saline and 0.06 mg/kg zoledronate (respectively) for 4 weeks, tooth extraction, continuation of injections for 2 months and euthanasia were performed. In group S1, zolendronate injection for 4 weeks, tooth extraction, zolendronate discontinuation for 2 months, and euthanasia were done. For groups S2, S3, S4, and S5, zolendronate injections for 4 weeks, drug holiday for 1-4 months (respectively) before and 2 months after tooth extraction, and euthanasia were performed. Presence of bone exposure, osteonecrosis, and new bone formation were clinically and histologically evaluated.

RESULTS

The rate of BRONJ in control, S0, S1, S2, S3, S4, and S5 groups was 0%, 85%, 80%, 65%, 60%, 50%, and 40%, respectively. In control group, epithelial healing, bone formation, and absence of osteonecrosis; and in S0 group, unhealed epithelium, osteonecrosis, and impaired bone formation were histologically observed. In study groups, prolongation of drug holiday caused diminished osteonecrosis, and improved bone and epithelial healing.

CONCLUSION

Zolendronate discontinuation significantly decreased the incidence and severity of BRONJ in rats.

Surgical treatment of bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis: Prognostic score and long-term results

Over a century after the first synthesis of bisphosphonates (1897) and a decade (2003) since the initial report on bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), this osteopathy remains a serious clinical challenge. A single center longitudinal study (2005-2014) was carried out to prospectively characterize inpatients with manifest ONJ and to evaluate their outcomes. The data recorded were: medical history, bisphosphonate treatment, localization, imaging, treatment, histomorphological features, and complications. A prognostic score (modified UCONN-Score) was adopted to predict outcomes. Eighty patients were included (mean age 69.4 years; 40 male, 40 female). Breast cancer (n = 25), multiple myeloma (n = 16), and prostate cancer (n = 15) were the three most common malignancies; and cardiovascular disease (n = 31), diabetes mellitus (16), and renal disorders (6) were the most important comorbidities. The severity of ONJ was stage I in three patients, stage II in 37, and stage III in 40, being predominantly localized in the posterior mandible and needing gradual resection. The average duration of bisphosphonate treatment was 38.3 months. The typical histological aspects of ONJ were predominantly osteonecrosis, bone marrow fibrosis, and bacterial colonization (Actinomyces) with suppurative inflammation. Within the resected jawbone a primary malignancy was diagnosed in two cases. The overall success rate was 83.6% (follow-up 23.5 months), with a UCONN-Score ≥15 predicting unfavorable treatment results (OR = 5.2). The past decade has enhanced experience with ONJ treatment and knowledge about its pathogenesis, which seems to be a multistep process. This study demonstrates the importance of bone and multilayer soft tissue management, preferably as an early intervention. The UCONN-Score might help to assess individual prognosis in ONJ surgery and the potential benefit of an antiresorptive drug holiday. To our knowledge it is the first use of a prognostic score in ONJ surgery.

Surgical Therapy for Bisphosphonate-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw: Six-Year Experience of a Single Institution

PURPOSE

Bisphosphonates are drugs commonly used to treat osteoporosis, hypercalcemia of malignancy, and bone metastases. In some cases, its administration has been associated with osteonecrosis of the jaws. The management of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) has not been completely elucidated, and its treatment can vary from no or limited surgery to more extensive surgery. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of surgical therapy for patients presenting with MRONJ.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted that evaluated all MRONJ cases resulting from bisphosphonate use and treated by surgery from 2006 to 2012. All patients underwent surgery under general anesthesia.

RESULTS

A total of 33 patients with 46 MRONJ sites were evaluated. Most of the patients were women, with an age range of 39 to 83 years (mean 65.6 ± 10.6). Complete healing of the MRONJ region was observed in 40 of the 46 sites (87%), with partial improvement (symptom control and reduction of the exposed bone area) observed in 3 sites (6.5%), for a 93.5% clinical benefit rate. Of the remaining regions, 2 showed no significant changes, and 1 presented with a worse aspect compared with the patient's preoperative condition. Such cases were located in the posterior mandible region. The number of applications and type of bisphosphonate did not influence the treatment response.

CONCLUSION

The surgical approach to treating MRONJ showed a high rate of clinical control. Therefore, surgery should be considered as a therapy for some cases of this condition.