A 77-year-old woman presented with jaw pain and a non-healing lesion on the left mandible. The patient had a history of osteoporosis in treatment with biphosphonates.
Bone CT of mandible: Mixed sclerotic and lytic lesion of mandible with destructive changes of alveolar ridge and soft tissue swelling.
Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), is a condition characterised by exposed necrotic bone in the mandible-maxilla region in patients with bisphosphonate exposure. Usually the bisphosphonates are used to treat severe osteoporosis, hypercalcaemia associated with malignancy, Paget disease, multiple myeloma and osteolytic bone metastases. The mechanism of action consist in the suppression of osteoclast activity, reduction of bone resorption and osteolysis [1].
Usual clinical presentation consist in jaw pain and non-healing ulcers with exposed nonviable bone.
The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons criteria are treatment with a bisphosphonate, exposed bone in the maxillofacial region lasting for 8 weeks and no radiotherapy involving the jaw.
The best imaging tool is bone CT with axial and coronal reformats to display the full extent of the lesion, in the early phase identifying a non-healing lesion and later diffuse destructive changes (mixed sclerotic/lytic lesion), which may be associated with fracture, soft tissue swelling or infection [2].
Treatment consist in local debridement and discontinuation of medication/bisphosphonate. This should stop the progression, however, the osteonecrosis is permanent.
The radiologist should be aware of ONJ in patient with non-healing lesions or with history of bisphosphonate exposure.
Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw
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Based on the provided CT images, the mandible (primarily the left mandibular body) shows abnormal bone structure, including local osteolytic and sclerotic changes, disordered trabecular patterns, and visible defects. Local cortical bone discontinuity or irregularity suggests necrotic or destructive lesions. The soft tissue window reveals partial soft tissue swelling, possibly related to an inflammatory response or secondary infection.
The lesion range in the mandible is concentrated in the affected area and demonstrates non-healing characteristics; compared with the surrounding normal bone, there is localized abnormal increase in bone density interspersed with osteolytic regions.
Considering the patient’s age (77 years), long-term use of bisphosphonates, and the destructive, non-healing characteristics of the mandibular lesion, the most likely diagnosis is Bisphosphonate-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ). If uncertainties remain, further blood tests (inflammatory markers, calcium/phosphate metabolism) and pathological biopsy (to exclude malignancies) may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
Considering the patient’s background of osteoporosis and localized jaw lesion, a safe and gradual rehabilitation exercise plan is recommended to improve overall muscle strength and bone density while avoiding excessive load or trauma to the jaw. Below is a reference using the FITT-VP principles:
Prior to beginning any exercise program, ensure the patient’s blood pressure, cardiovascular status, and other relevant conditions are stable. Avoid high-impact or high-load exercises (such as running and jumping) that may increase fracture risk.
This report is a reference analysis based on the existing clinical and imaging data and does not replace an in-person consultation or professional medical advice. Patients should undergo further examinations, treatments, and rehabilitation under the guidance of a specialist. Specific management plans must be individualized.
Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw