[Surgical treatment of maxillary osteonecrosis due to bisphosphonates using an Er:YAG (2940 nm) laser. Discussion of 17 clinical cases].

Reports of cases of ONJ are significantly increased during the last five years as a iatrogenic complication of therapy with bisphosphonates (BPT). The aim of this work is to present the advantages of surgery using Er:YAG laser for treatment of ONJ. Er:YAG laser can gradually reach the healthy bone without causing any heating damage of tissues. This device results very versatile and gives the possibility of choose among different surgical techniques depending by the case (e.g.: vaporization or ostectomy). Moreover, different studies have demonstrated the presence of both bactericidal and biomodulating effect on bone and surrounding tissues, with biostimulation of microcirculation and neoangiogenesis. Seventeen sites of ONJ, classified according to the staging system developed by Ruggiero and observed in 12 patients with multiple myeloma (9 patients), bone metastases (2 patients) and osteoporosis (1 patient), were treated with Er:YAG laser (Fidelis Plus, Fotona-Slovenia). Laser device was used in non-contact or near-contact way (VSP, 300 m3 30 Hz, Fluence 60 J/cm2) on 17 sites (4 Stage I and 13 Stage II) on 3 different types of surgery: sequestrectomy + debridement, sequestrectomy + corticotomy and vaporization. For an average follow-up of 9 months (SD +/- 6 months), complete healing of ONJ (Stage 0) was obtained for 13 sites (76.5%) and resolution of symptoms was obtained (Stage 1) for 3 sites (17.5%). For one site at Stage II (6%), recovery was obtained but this result was not maintained over 3 months. Positive results were independent by the anatomical area (mandible or maxilla), primary disease (osteoporosis, multiple myelomas or metastasis) and discontinuation of BPT before surgery. Er:YAG laser (2940 nm), in our experience, represents a valid therapeutic option for ONJ-BP related, especially in early stages of the disease.