Medical Abbreviation: A Closer Look At ONJ or "Dead Jaw" Syndrome

Written By:
Paulette Campbell RN-BC, BSN, MJ
Certified Legal Nurse Consultant

ONJ is death (or necrosis) of the jaw bone. It starts in the bone as a temporary or permanent loss of blood flow to the jaw bone area. There are 10,000 to 20,000 new cases each year and most cases of ONJ occur as a result of some type of bone injury (fracture/dislocation). Symptoms of ONJ often go unnoticed for several weeks and even months. Once symptoms are noticed they include swelling, infection, and exposed bone.

ONJ is a serious disorder, and since 2003, there has been an increase in the number of reported cases believed to be linked to the use of Fosamax and ONJ. Fosamax belongs to a group of drugs called bisphosphonates. Bisphosphonates are antiresorptive medications. They are prescribed to prevent or slow down the natural process that dissolves bone tissue. They are often prescribed for cancer patients whose disease has spread to the bone. Many of these patients are cancer patients who are prescribed bisphosphonates intravenously, but there are a small amount of cases where the bisphosphonates were given by mouth.

ONJ can be diagnosed through imaging scans and in rare instances by bone biopsy. Treatment options are greater the earlier ONJ is found. If diagnosis is delayed, a patient can suffer bone collapse and disfigurement. Treatment options include antibiotics, insertion of removable appliances, and surgery (to remove necrotic or dead tissue).

If you would like more information on ONJ or represent a patient who has ONJ and require medical legal consulting services, contact our offices today. You’ll find as many of your colleagues have, that our solutions will fit your needs. From creating medical chronologies, researching medical and nursing literature, or identifying and locating expert witnesses, we have the solutions that you seek. You can reach our office at 630-551-0978 or www.medicaljurisprudence.com.