Bisphosphonate-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw: An Enigma among Medical Practitioners

Abstract Context: Owing to the increasing number of cancer cases, and introduction of newer drugs like bisphosphonates (BP) for the management of metastatic bone disease, complications such as bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) have come into light. However, several of the treating physicians are not fully aware of this adverse effect. Aim: This study aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness of physicians regarding BRONJ and practices related to bisphosphonate use. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional study conducted among health-care professionals in various medical institutions in Mangalore. Subjects and Methods: A questionnaire was developed to assess the knowledge and awareness of physicians about osteonecrosis of the jaw and practices related to bisphosphonate use, consisting of 21 questions, 12 – knowledge based and 9 – practice based. The questionnaire was validated and distributed among 113 doctors; their responses assigned scores, tabulated and assessed. Statistical Analysis: One-way analysis of variance and Tukey test. Results: More than 50% of the medical professionals had a score