Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) adversely affects the quality of life,
producing significant morbidity in afflicted patients. Strategies for management of patients with
or at risk for BRONJ were set forth in the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial
Surgeons (AAOMS) Position Paper on Bisphosphonate-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaws
(Position Paper) and approved by the Board of Trustees in September 2006 1
. The Position
Paper was developed by a Task Force appointed by the Board and composed of clinicians with
extensive experience in caring for these patients and basic science researchers. The knowledge
base and experience in addressing BRONJ has expanded, necessitating modifications and
refinements to the original Position Paper. The Task Force was re-convened in August 2008 to
review the 2006 recommendations, appraise the current literature, and revise the Position Paper
and recommendations, where indicated. This update contains revisions to diagnosis and staging
and management strategies, and highlights the status of basic science research. AAOMS
considers it vitally important that this information be disseminated to other dental and medical
specialties.