Our Summary

This research studies a bone disease called Osteochemonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ), which mainly happens to people who are undergoing certain cancer treatments. It’s an issue where parts of the jawbone become exposed and don’t get enough blood, making it hard for the area to heal. The researchers want to better understand how long it takes for this condition to heal after surgery.

For this study, they looked at medical records of 23 patients who had surgery for ONJ in a French hospital between 2006 and 2015. They found that right after surgery, about a third of patients saw immediate healing. Half a year after surgery, more than half of the treated areas were healed. However, the healing rate didn’t increase much after that.

They also reviewed seven other studies on the topic. The healing rates in these studies were similar, with about 60-70% of patients seeing healing six months after surgery. This increased slightly around a year after surgery, but then remained stable.

The researchers also found that 70% of the ONJ cases in their study were linked to drugs other than the ones usually associated with the condition. Half were related to a drug called denosumab, and a third were linked to a combination of drugs including one called bevacizumab.

In simple terms, the study shows that surgery can help with healing ONJ, but it might take up to half a year or more for the majority of patients to see the benefits. Also, other drugs besides the usual suspects can also contribute to ONJ.

FAQs

  1. What is Osteochemonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ) and who is most likely to get it?
  2. How long does it typically take for ONJ to heal after surgery according to the study?
  3. Are there specific drugs linked to the occurrence of ONJ according to the research?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about jaw surgery for ONJ is to follow post-operative care instructions closely to promote healing and prevent complications. This may include taking prescribed medications, avoiding certain activities that could put pressure on the jaw, and maintaining good oral hygiene. It’s also important to attend follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your progress and address any concerns.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended jaw surgery include those with severe jaw misalignment, temporomandibular joint disorders, obstructive sleep apnea, facial trauma, congenital jaw deformities, and other conditions that affect the function and appearance of the jaw. Additionally, patients with Osteochemonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ) may also be recommended jaw surgery to help with healing and improve their condition.

Timeline

Overall timeline for a patient experiencing jaw surgery for ONJ:

Before surgery: Patient experiences symptoms of ONJ, such as exposed bone in the jaw, difficulty healing, and pain.

During surgery: Surgeons perform a procedure to remove the affected bone and promote healing in the area.

Immediately after surgery: Some patients may see immediate healing, but overall healing is not immediate.

0-6 months post-surgery: More than half of patients experience healing in the treated areas, with the healing rate increasing slightly over time.

6-12 months post-surgery: Healing rates continue to improve, with around 60-70% of patients seeing healing by this time.

1 year post-surgery and beyond: Healing rates stabilize, with the majority of patients experiencing benefits from the surgery.

Overall, the study shows that surgery can help with healing ONJ, but it may take several months for patients to see significant improvement. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of considering other drugs that may contribute to the development of ONJ.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about jaw surgery for ONJ could include:

  • What are the potential risks and complications associated with jaw surgery for ONJ?
  • How long will it take for me to heal after the surgery?
  • What can I expect in terms of pain and discomfort after the surgery?
  • Will I need any additional treatments or medications after the surgery?
  • How will jaw surgery impact my daily activities and quality of life?
  • Are there any dietary restrictions I should follow post-surgery?
  • How often will I need to follow up with you after the surgery?
  • Are there any warning signs or symptoms I should watch out for after the surgery?
  • What can I do to help facilitate the healing process after jaw surgery for ONJ?
  • Are there any long-term implications or considerations I should be aware of following the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Berquet A, Louvrier A, Denis F, Bornert F, Weber E, Meyer C. Journal: J Stomatol Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2017 Feb;118(1):11-19. doi: 10.1016/j.jormas.2016.10.004. Epub 2017 Feb 3. PMID: 28330568