Bisphosphonate-induced osteonecrosis of the jaws: a case report and literature review.

: Bisphosphonates are nonmetabolized analogues of pyrophosphate that are used for treating skeletal complications secondary to bone metastases. These drugs are capable of localizing to bone and inhibiting osteoclastic activity; however, their exact mechanisms of action remain unclear. Recently, it has been documented that administration of bisphosphonates has been associated with osteonecrosis of the jaws. This article details the case of a woman who received intravenous administration of bisphosphonate for metastatic breast cancer and subsequently developed osteonecrosis in both the maxillary and mandibular jaws.