Awareness and Attitude Towards MRONJ Among Physicians Prescribing Antiresorptive Drugs: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND

MRONJ (Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw) refers to a condition characterized by osteonecrosis of the jawbone associated with the use of certain medications. One of the most common causes of MRONJ is bisphosphonates, which are frequently used today to treat osteoporosis, metabolic bone diseases, and the skeletal effects of malignancies.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to assess the awareness and approaches of medical doctors who prescribe bisphosphonate group drugs regarding MRONJ.

METHOD

A total of 125 physicians specializing in the departments of oncology, orthopedics and traumatology, physical medicine and rehabilitation, and obstetrics and gynecology participated in our study. The participants completed questionnaire forms consisting of 15 questions related to MRONJ, and the results were analyzed.

RESULTS

The specialists who participated in the study were found to prescribe zoledronate and alendronate more frequently than other antiresorptive medications. Over the past year, when examining the frequency of encountering patients with MRONJ, 56% of physicians had not encountered any cases, while 44% had encountered between one and four cases. The group that most frequently requested consultations from physicians regarding bisphosphonates was identified as dentists, with a rate of 50.4%, followed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons at 36.8%. The specialists who participated in the study reported that when they encounter patients with osteonecrosis, 39.2% most frequently referred them to oral and maxillofacial surgery.

CONCLUSION

To enhance awareness of MRONJ, a multidisciplinary approach should be adopted between medical and dental disciplines, and a well-coordinated consultation system should be established. This will ensure that patients undergo dental examinations and complete necessary interventional dental procedures before commencing antiresorptive drug therapy. Furthermore, implementing educational strategies such as academic publications, training seminars, and symposia is of great importance to increase the level of awareness on this issue.