ntroduction
Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) is a dangerous complication
of bisphosphonates, a class of pharmaceutical agents used in numerous bone disorders.
No gold standard therapy exists, but recent literature suggests that, in advanced
stages, the best results are achieved with aggressive debridement.
In this paper, we report our experience of treatment of stage 3 BRONJ of the maxilla
with extensive surgical debridement and reconstruction with a chimeric ALT-Vastus
lateralis flap.
Methods
Five selected patients with stage 3 BRONJ underwent partial maxillectomy with disease-free
margins followed by immediate reconstruction with a chimeric ALT-Vastus
lateralis free flap.
Results
Only two patients experienced minor complications. All other patients healed uneventfully
within two weeks and donor site morbidity was minimal.
Conclusions
Our data suggest that aggressive debridement and reconstruction with a chimeric ALT
-Vastus lateralis flap is an effective option for the treatment of stage III BRONJ of the
maxilla.