Management of Large Oroantral Fistulas Caused by Medication-Related Osteonecrosis with the Combined Sequestrectomy, Buccal Fat Pad Flap and Platelet-Rich Fibrin

Purpose The aim of this retrospective study was to describe the efficacy of management of bisphosphonate-related maxillary osteonecrosis, which had resulted in an oroantral fistula formation, by performing sequestrectomy, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and buccal fat pad (BFP) flap. Patient and Methods A total of 7 patients diagnosed with stage III maxillary medication-related osteonecrosis according to guidelines of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. All patients complained of persistent pain, swelling and purulent drainage with sinusitis. In order to keep the infection under control, the patients first received an antibiotic combination for 2 weeks. Then, sequestrectomy and bone debridement were performed under general anesthesia. After that, an antrectomy was performed via endoscopic sinus surgery in some cases. And the fistula was closed with BFP after or before the PRF application to the region depending on the size of the fistula. Results The fistula was successfully closed. After a mean follow-up of 16 months, no symptoms were seen in the patients. Conclusions The patients were successfully managed with a combined treatment consisted of sequestrectomy, PRF and BFP. We suggest that large defects arose from medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw can be managed with such a combined approach in order to lessen the recurrence risk.