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Osteonecrosis of the Jaw
Fosamax usage can lead to a condition called osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), or "dead jaw." ONJ is a rare form of osteonecrosis, which affects the face.
As osteonecrosis of the jaw develops, there can be temporary or permanent loss of blood to bone tissue. This, in turn, can lead to tissue death and bone collapse. There are approximately 10,000 to 20,000 newly reported cases of osteocrenosis in the United States every year. Most of these cases are the result of some sort of bone injury.
ONJ has also been caused by bisphosphonate drugs like Fosamax (alendronate). Fosamax users risk possible development of ONJ and feeling the chronic pain associated with the rare bone disease.
Symptoms of Osteonecrosis of the Jaw
Many symptoms lead to a diagnosis of osteonecrosis of the jaw. At the same time, ONJ symptoms may not appear for months.
Dental work may bare parts of the jawbone and show symptoms more quickly. The symptoms of osteonecrosis of the jaw can include:
- Loose teeth
- Exposed bone
- Jaw / gum pain
- Jaw / gum swelling
- Jaw / gum infection
- Jaw numbness; loss of sensation
- Dramatic gum loss
Those taking bisphosphonates (i.e. Fosamax, Actonel, Zometa, etc.) demonstrating any of the aforementioned ONJ symptoms should see a doctor right away. Osteonecrosis of the jaw can lead to bone tissue death and jaw joint collapse.
Bisphosphonates and Osteonecrosis of the Jaw
An exact link between bisphosphonate drugs and osteonecrosis of the jaw has not been determined. Some researchers believe bisphosphonate drugs can prevent the formation of new blood vessels within jawbone tissue-compromising the healing process of jawbone tissue and leading to loss of bone mass.
Approximately 125 cases of osteonecrosis of the jaw have been linked to bisphosphonates. Many have been linked to pamidronate and zoledronate, while recent cases have been blamed on alendronate (Fosamax).
Osteonecrosis of the Jaw - Diagnosis and Treatment
X-rays can reveal osteonecrosis of the jaw. Other diseases can be ruled out by performing a bone tissue biopsy, but this surgery is dangerous and could create more problems.
A number of effective treatment options are available to patients if osteonecrosis of the jaw is caught early in its development.
There is currently no cure for ONJ, only treatment options. Antibiotics combat infections caused as a result of osteonecrosis of the jaw. Custom-fitted pieces can help patients by protecting sections of jawbone. Damaged tissue can be extracted by surgery, though the procedure could lead to an inability to eat or death.
Osteonecrosis of the Jaw Legal Issues
If you or someone you know suffers from osteonecrosis of the jaw caused by the use of Fosamax, you could be compensated. Contact a personal injury lawyer to inquire about your rights, file a Fosamax lawsuit, and claim the compensation you deserve.