Radiographic Evaluation of Maxillofacial Region in Oncology Patients Treated with Bisphosphonates

Objective: This study aimed to identify radiographic alterations in patients administered bisphosphonate treatment that would permit early diagnosis of osteonecrosis of the jaw.

Study Design: A prospective study was conducted with clinical and radiographic analysis of 60 patients divided into 2 groups. Thirty patients treated with zoledronate were included in group 1, and 30 patients that had never been treated with bisphosphonate were included in group 2. Digital panoramic radiographs were performed on all patients and subsequently evaluated by 2 radiologists.

Results: Data analysis revealed that patients treated with zoledronate presented a statistically significant increase in the number of radiographic abnormalities compared with the control group. Female patients presented significantly more alterations than male patients, and the posterior region of the mandible was the most affected region.

Conclusions: Analysis of the data obtained revealed that the use of panoramic radiographs facilitates early identification of bone alterations, which can improve early diagnosis of bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaw.