Türk Osteoporoz Dergisi (Apr 2022)
How Surgery Affects Patients with Jaw Osteonecrosis? A Quality of Life Analysis Study
Abstract
Objective:Osteonecrosis of the jawbone, especially when associated with osteomyelitis, is a debilitating condition predominantly affecting patients treated for osteoporosis, cancer with bone metastases, and rheumatoid arthritis. Oral pathologies may significantly alter the patients’ quality of life and sense of health. Surgery including complete debridement of the necrotic bone followed by packing the dead space with antiseptic agents and meticulous repair of the overlying mucosa is gaining popularity on conservative treatment options.Materials and Methods:In this before and after study 11 patients referred to our clinic between 2018 and 2020 with a diagnosis of maxillary or mandibular osteonecrosis with complete preoperative and postoperative analyses available were included. The patients were assessed with General Oral Health Assessment (GOHA) index preoperatively and postoperatively. These scores were compared with each other to exhibit the effect of our surgical strategy, which also outlined. The effects of patients’ demographic and medical backgrounds on the quality of life were also investigated.Results:Neither demographic, nor medical backgrounds of the patients were not found to significantly alter the GOHA index scores of the patients (p>0.05). However, surgical treatment was found to significantly improve the scores (preoperative mean: 38.87, +/- 6.44; postoperative mean: 31.0, +/- 8.28; p<0.05).Conclusion:To obtain optimal results in the management of the patients with jawbone osteonecrosis, the treatment strategy should be based on the patient characteristics and careful radiographical examinations. Alterations of predisposing medications and introduction of proper antibiotics in the setting of associated osteomyelitis should be made before surgery. Oral/dental rehabilitation should be started immediately after mucosal healing is assured.
Keywords
