A scientometric study on research trends and characteristics of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a debilitating condition characterized by a progressive necrosis of jaw bone in patients who have received anti-resorptive or anti-angiogenic medications. The purpose of this study was to analyze the scientometric characteristics and research trends of MRONJ. All the papers on MRONJ were comprehensively retrieved from the Scopus database. Among all the 2857 papers on MRONJ, 2251 (78.8 %) were published by stomatologists. The most common medications that cause MRONJ were diphosphonates, zoledronic acid, and denosumab. The MRONJ-related diseases were multiple myeloma, breast cancer, prostate cancer, bone metastasis, diabetes mellitus, and rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment strategies including debridement, antibiotic therapy, conservative treatment, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, low level laser therapy, and platelet-rich fibrin application. A good medical history with emphasis on the use of medication that cause MRONJ, detailed clinical and radiographic evaluations excluding jaw metastasis cancer and osteoradionecrosis, and attention to the patient's signs and symptoms are critical for the correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Herein, we also highlight the awareness of early recognition and timely diagnosis and improve the access to care for MRONJ. This scientometric study elucidated the current scenario and research trends of MRONJ, and proposed that multidisciplinary comprehensive management should be conducted to achieve optimal outcomes.