Successful treatment of osteonecrosis-induced fractured mandible with teriparatide therapy: A case report

Int J Surg Case Rep. 2016:21:151-3. doi: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2016.02.028. Epub 2016 Mar 3.

Abstract

Introduction: The management of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is controversial. To date, there is no established treatment for cases of advanced stage 3 MRONJ osteoporosis in elderly patients.

Presentation: An 87-year-old osteoporotic woman with osteonecrosis-induced left mandible fracture related to minodronate therapy was referred to us for treatment. She had a vertebral compression fracture concurrently and had started subcutaneous injection of teriparatide. After 18 months of treatment with teriparatide the pathological mandible fracture was healed and functional recovery of the occlusion was obtained by complete dentures.

Discussion: Teriparatide may have a powerful anabolic effect on bone, and promote bone regeneration against pathologic mandible fracture induced by MRONJ.

Conclusion: Based upon these findings, teriparatide might be beneficial for advanced stage 3 MRONJ osteoporosis in elderly patients.

Keywords: Elderly; MRONJ; Osteoporosis; Teriparatide.