Imaging of Radiation- and Medication-Related Osteonecrosis

Abstract

Osteonecrosis is the devitalization of bone and consequent lytic changes. In the jaws, osteonecrosis is a pathologic consequence of prior radiation therapy (osteoradionecrosis) or certain antiresorptive medications. Herein, we review the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of these lesions, and describe the spectrum of radiologic findings in these conditions, and highlight the similarities and differences between the imaging appearances of these 2 entities.

Keywords: Antiresorptive medication; Medication-related osteonecrosis; Osteonecrosis; Osteoradionecrosis; Radiation therapy.