Flapless piezoelectric surgery in the management of jaw necrosis – a case series

AbstractObjectiveBisphosphonates and head and neck radiation are commonly implicated as causative factors for osteonecrosis of the jaw. Once established, no treatment method can guarantee resolution of the condition. Current management consists of a pharmacological approach for early stage necrosis but failure of this leaves only surgical intervention, which carries a risk of antagonising the condition. Piezoelectric surgery provides the opportunity to debride bone without traumatising the overlying soft tissue.MethodWe present a case series of patients (n = 12) who underwent flapless piezoelectric debridement of osteonecrosis of the jaw related to either bisphosphonates or radiation.ResultsOf the 12 patients, 67% (n = 8) of cases had successful healing. Of the remaining four cases partial healing had been noted.ConclusionPiezoelectric surgery may have a potential role in minimally invasive surgery for osteonecrosis of the jaw with further addition and refinement of the technique.