Up to 7% of referrals to oral and maxillofacial surgery are related to medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws: how much is really out there?

INTRODUCTION: Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) is generally described as rare; therefore, firm incidence data are challenging to ascertain. AIM: Using two sites in Northwest England, ascertain the number of referrals to oral and maxillofacial surgery involving: Suspected MRONJ. Patients at risk of MRONJ requiring a dentoalveolar procedure. METHOD: All sequential referrals over a 2-year period were analysed. The referrals were categorised into 'type' of referral (stage 1). Any referral for MRONJ, or patient at risk, was then further examined (stage 2). RESULTS: A total of 2150 referrals were screened. The most common referral reasons were temporomandibular joint issues and hard tissue conditions. The proportion of referrals for suspected MRONJ was similar for both sites: 3.7% (site 1) and 3.4% (site 2). At site 1, 1.6% of all referrals were at risk of MRONJ referred for treatment. In site 2, 3.8% of all referrals were in this category. CONCLUSION: Despite limitations, the finding that patients with or at risk of MRONJ potentially equates to 7% of all referrals represents a substantial proportion of OMFS practice. Therefore, there are clear benefits of collecting accurate data prospectively to understand the scale of this condition and its impact on services.