Prevention and management of drug‐induced osteonecrosis of the jaws using platelet‐rich fibrin: A clinical feasibility study

Abstract

Abstract Objective Although a standard treatment guideline has not been established to date, various treatment modalities have been described in the literature based on the staging of medication‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). The aim of this case series was to describe the outcomes of surgical intervention of MRONJ cases with the adjunctive use of platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF). Materials and Methods Thirteen patients under therapy with zoledronic acid, seven of them underwent surgical removal of necrotic bone with debridement, followed by placement of three to four PRF membranes and achieving primary closure. In six patients, PRF was used preventively to avoid MRONJ. Results The surgical treatment outcomes were successful in all patients, with a follow‐up range of 12–48 months. In the presented cases, the intraoral evaluation showed excellent soft tissue healing except for one patient secondary wound healing was reported. Additionally, there was no recurrence of bone exposure in all cases. PRF membranes were comparatively effective in postsurgical pain control. Conclusion The use of PRF could represent a valuable adjunct in the surgical management for advanced stages of MRONJ cases. Clinical Relevance This clinical case series describes the use of PRF membranes as a valuable adjunct in the surgical management of MRONJ patients, especially when treating advanced MRONJ cases. Moreover, PRF demonstrates usefulness in preventing such difficult complications from occurring.

Keywords

• autologous platelet concentrate
• bisphosphonates
• leukocyte—platelet‐rich fibrin
• osteonecrosis of the jaw