[Osteonecrosis of the jaw and bisphophonates in oncology].

Bisphosphonates are potent osteoclastic inhibitors that are indicated in the prevention of bone complications. They could also be of interest in the prevention of bone metastases. Several recent international publications have highlighted the onset of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) in patients treated with bisphosphonates.

[Bisphosphonates-associated osteonecrosis of the jaw: review on reported cases].

Osteonecrosis of the jaws associated with the use of bisphosphonates (alendronate, pamidronate, risedronate et zoledronate) are described as an avascular necrosis. We have listed 184 cases of bisphosphonates-associated osteonecrosis of the maxillary in the literature. Many mechanisms are discussed in bisphosphonates-associated osteonecrosis: a disturbing bone turnover, an accumulation of bone's microdamage or an antiangiogenic effect.