Bisphosphonates are drugs used to treat osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, including osteoporosis, Paget disease, multiple myeloma, cancer-related osteolysis, and malignant hypercalcemia. The use of these drugs has increased in recent years as have their complications, especially bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ), which more frequently affects the mandible. Here we report a case of BRONJ with a particularly unfavorable course due to cervical inflammation that developed into necrotizing fasciitis, followed by multiorgan involvement leading to septic shock and death.
Keywords: Bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaw; Jaw fractures; Necrotizing fasciitis; Sepsis.