Surgical Management of Bisphosphonate Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw Using Pedicled Buccal Fat Pad Flap

ABSTRACT

Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) is a disease characterized by jaw necrosis and delayed wound healing in patients who had received bisphosphonates. Buccal fat pad (BFP) can be used as a pedicled flap in the posterior region of the oral cavity. BFP pedicle flap needs simple surgical technique and it shows less donor site morbidity and aesthetic problem than other vascularized flap. BFP pedicled flap was fed by 3 arteries- facial, internal maxillary, and transverse facial artery. Osteomyelitis was generally related with poor blood supply. Thus, rich blood supply of BFP pedicle flap can have a potential advantage to BRONJ patients. In this case report, we presented 3 BRONJ patients treated by BFP pedicle flap after sequestrectomy.