Niall M.H. McLeod

Bisphosphonate osteonecrosis of the jaw—a literature review of UK policies versus international policies on bisphosphonates, risk factors and prevention

There has been an exponential rise in the literature of osteonecrosis and its complications in patients taking bisphosphonate drugs. Despite this increase, there is little evidence-based publications on how best to manage this complication. In this article (the first of two on bisphosphonate related jaw complications), we compare the guidelines produced by national specialist medical associations and expert panels on the prevention of bisphosphonate osteonecrosis of the jaws and review the evidence behind these guidelines.

Bisphosphonate osteonecrosis of the jaw: a literature review of UK policies versus international policies on the management of bisphosphonate osteonecrosis of the jaw

Despite the increasing number of cases of osteonecrosis of the jaws related to bisphosphonate therapy described in the literature there is a paucity of evidence-based treatment for the condition. In this second article on bisphosphonate-related jaw complications we discuss the different treatment strategies for the condition, review current literature, particularly in relation to the recommendations that have been published, and discuss the evidence behind them.

Characteristics of iatrogenic mandibular fractures associated with tooth removal: review and analysis of 189 cases

Fracture of the mandible during exodontia is fortunately rare, but is under-reported. A review identified 189 documented cases of iatrogenic fractures of the mandible (IFM) associated with the removal of teeth. The reasons for its occurrence are thought to be multifactorial and include age, sex, degree of tooth impaction, relative volume of the tooth in the jaw, pre-existing infection or bony lesions, failure to maintain a soft diet in the early postoperative period, and the surgical technique. The clinical experience of the surgeon does not seem to have an important role. We review the aetiology of iatrogenic mandibular fracture and summarise the ways of minimising this complication.

Pentoxifylline and tocopherol in the management of patients with osteoradionecrosis, the Portsmouth experience

Osteoradionecrosis of the jaw remains the most problematic consequence of radiotherapy for the management of head and neck cancer. Treatment is often complex and multimodal. New theories on its pathophysiology have allowed the development of potential treatment modalities, including the use of pentoxifylline and tocopherol. In this retrospective case series we examined the outcomes of patients with ORN prescribed pentoxifylline and tocopherol.

Management of patients at risk of osteoradionecrosis: results of survey of dentists and oral & maxillofacial surgery units in the United Kingdom, and suggestions for best practice

We aimed to find out whether dental practitioners take specific measures to identify patients who are at risk of osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the jawbones; how oral and maxillofacial surgery units in the United Kingdom manage patients who have had radiotherapy and require dental extractions, and the evidence behind current practice. We sent postal questionnaires to 60 dentists and 117 maxillofacial units. Dentists were questioned about measures used to identify radiotherapy patients, and use of antibiotic prophylaxis. Maxillofacial units were questioned about the existence of written protocols and the measures used to minimise the risk of ORN. Thirty-five percent of dentists questioned ask specifically about head and neck cancer or radiotherapy as part of their medical history, and 5% of maxillofacial units questioned had written protocols for the management of patients who had had radiotherapy or had previously been diagnosed with ORN. Prophylactic antibiotics are recommended for patients at risk of ORN by 16% of dentists and 81% of maxillofacial units. Preoperative mouthwash is recommended by 59% of maxillofacial units. Identification of patients at risk of ORN is the first step in prevention but it is not done efficiently at present. Recommendations include the use of preoperative mouthwash and prophylactic antibiotics. Operations should be atraumatic and should be done by experienced clinicians.

Role of chest CT in staging of oropharyngeal cancer: a systematic review.

The prevalence of synchronous or metastatic tumors in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) ranges from 6% to 20% and has implications for prognosis and management of the primary disease. There is no consensus about the role of chest CT prior to definitive treatment patients with HNSCC.

In vitro effect of bisphosphonates on oral keratinocytes and fibroblasts.

PURPOSE Osteonecrosis of the jaws is a potential complication of bisphosphonate (BP) therapy. The underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Although most research has concentrated on the effects of BPs on osteoclast and osteoblast functions, the disease is diagnosed and classified based on of mucosal breakdown, suggesting that oral soft tissues may be involved in its pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of 3 different BP drugs (alendronate, zoledronate, and clodronate) on the function of oral keratinocytes and fibroblasts. MATERIALS AND METHODS Human oral keratinocytes (OKF6) and fetal foreskin fibroblasts (HFFF2) were exposed to each drug at several concentrations and the effect on cell proliferation was assessed by counting the viable cells after different lengths of treatment. The effect on cell migration was examined using Transwell migration assays. An organotypic coculture model using keratinocytes and fibroblasts, which recapitulated the morphology of the oral mucosa, was used to assess the effect of the drugs on epithelial stratification and differentiation. RESULTS The 3 BPs affected the viability and proliferation of OKF6 and HFFF2 cells at concentrations in keeping with their known relative in vitro potencies. There was no effect on cell migration or tissue architecture in organotypic cultures at subtoxic concentrations. CONCLUSION The lack of effect of these drugs on cell migration below concentrations known to affect cell viability suggests that BP-related osteonecrosis is not caused through suppression of keratinocyte or fibroblast motility.

Consent for orthognathic surgery: a UK perspective

Obtaining consent to undertake orthognathic surgery is a legal requirement that starts at the initial visit when treatment is being considered and continues until the operation itself. The process includes discussion of the benefits, risks, and potential complications of the proposed procedure, and any alternative (including doing nothing), but there is no consensus about how much information should be disclosed. Guidance is provided on the basis of case law, which is itself evolving. The purpose of this study was to look at the current practice of obtaining consent for orthognathic surgery by oral and maxillofacial surgeons in the UK to act as a benchmark and potentially to stimulate further debate. We also review common and serious complications that might be included in the process.

A summary of trauma and trauma-related papers published in BJOMS during 2008–2009

This paper provides a summary of the 49 trauma and related papers published in British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery during the period January 2008 to December 2009. 16/49 (32%) of these publications were full length articles, which covered areas such as epidemiology, service provision, materials and operative surgery. In addition there were other articles including short communications, technical notes, letters to the editor and interesting cases. Whilst fewer full length articles were published compared to the other sub-specialties, it was reassuring to see that the studies represent all aspects of trauma. More basic science and randomized control studies relating to trauma need to be encouraged.

A synopsis of oncology and oncology-related papers published in the British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 2007-2008

This paper provides a summary of the 95 papers related to oncology that were published in the British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (BJOMS) during 2007-2008. They include full length articles on clinical studies, radiology, basic science, and reconstruction in oral, and head and neck cancer. The journal also publishes technical notes and short communications. It encompasses the whole remit of the specialty and it is encouraging that authors choose to submit their work to BJOMS, but to improve the quality and status of the journal, we need to increase the ratio of full length articles to other submissions. Reviews of other subspecialties will be published in due course.