Osteoporosis Management after the Occurrence of Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw: A 13-Year Experience at a Tertiary Center
- Author:
Chun Ho WONG
1
;
Kimberly Hang TSOI
;
Jingya Jane PU
;
Nancy Su JIANG
;
Stacey Sheung Yi CHAN
;
Connie Hong Nin LOONG
;
Xincheng ZOU
;
Carol Ho Yi FONG
;
Eunice Ka Hong LEUNG
;
Alan Chun Hong LEE
;
Chi Ho LEE
;
Kathryn Choon Beng TAN
;
Yu Cho WOO
;
Yu-xiong SU
;
David Tak Wai LUI
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;40(6):974-990
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:We investigated osteoporosis management strategies and clinical outcomes following the occurrence of medicationrelated osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ).
Methods:We retrospectively studied individuals diagnosed with MRONJ during osteoporosis treatment who were managed in the Osteoporosis Center or the Oral Maxillofacial Surgery & Dental Unit at Queen Mary Hospital in Hong Kong between 2010 and 2022. We examined subsequent osteoporosis management plans, fracture events, and bone mineral density (BMD).
Results:Thirty-six individuals were included (mean age, 78.5 years; 94.4% women). The estimated prevalence of MRONJ was 0.26%. All patients had been exposed to bisphosphonates, and seven had also received denosumab before MRONJ. Following MRONJ, only 14 individuals continued anti-osteoporosis treatment, a decision influenced by a higher fracture probability at MRONJ onset. The most common regimen was a teriparatide-raloxifene sequence (n=8): three patients achieved stable BMD, four achieved improving BMD, and one exhibited a mixed response. The patient with a mixed BMD response had also been treated with denosumab. Six patients sustained incident fractures after MRONJ, and these patients had lower BMD T-scores than their counterparts. Two patients experienced MRONJ recurrence, which was associated with the resumption of bisphosphonate or denosumab therapy after MRONJ. These patients had higher BMD T-scores than those who did not experience MRONJ recurrence.
Conclusion:MRONJ is challenging because high fracture risk necessitates discontinuation of antiresorptive agents. Teriparatide followed by raloxifene may be a reasonable regimen. Individualised decisions in osteoporosis management after MRONJ are required to balance fracture risk reduction with minimising MRONJ recurrence.
