Objectives: The aim of this study was to establish a simple method for the early detection of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) using computed tomography (CT).
Materials and methods: CT images of the mandible were obtained from a total of 20 patients with BRONJ and 20 control subjects. BRONJ was classified into 2 groups, with bone exposure (Stage 1-3 BRONJ) or without (Stage 0 BRONJ). In each patient, 15 transaxial CT images were selected and 30 configured regions of interest (ROI) were identified. The ANOVA test was applied to test the relationship between the severity of systemic risk factors.
Results: Regarding the local status of the mandible, significant differences were observed among the Stage 0 BRONJ, Stage 1-3 BRONJ, non-BRONJ and control groups in the cancellous bone CT radiodensity values, but there were no significant differences between the Stage 0 and Stage 1-3 BRONJ groups. In the cortical bone widths, significant differences were observed only between BRONJ and the controls.
Conclusions: Measuring cancellous bone CT radiodensity value has the potential to be a simple and quantitative method to detect the early stages of BRONJ.
Keywords: Bisphosphonate; CT radiodensity value; Early detection; Mandible; Osteonecrosis.
Copyright © 2014 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.