Fatty Degenerative Osteonecrosis of the Jaw: Molecular and Clinical Evidence: PERI-EDU Conference Poster

Fatty Degenerative Osteonecrosis of the Jaw: Molecular and Clinical Evidence was presented as part of the PERI-EDU research programme during the 9th Congress of the Polish Dental Association at Ptak Warsaw Expo.

Research question

Study design

This PRISMA-ScR review searched PubMed, Scopus and Embase from inception to July 2025. Thirty-six studies involving 2,027 reported patients were included; anatomical localization was available for 280 patients.

Main findings

• The reported mean age was 53.06 years, with female predominance of 64.36%. Among localized cases, 71.79% involved the mandible and 28.21% the maxilla.
• The described molecular profile included elevated RANTES/CCL5, FGF-2 and IL-1Ra, with reduced IL-6 and TNF-α in reported studies.
• Histological descriptions included fatty degeneration, fibrosis, marrow ischaemia, osteolysis, necrotic adipocytes and chronic inactive inflammation.
• Two-dimensional imaging may be insufficient; CBCT, ultrasound techniques and histopathology may contribute to an integrated diagnostic assessment.

Interpretation

The evidence depicts a heterogeneous, often clinically silent and aseptic jaw-bone condition. Terminology and diagnostic criteria remain inconsistent, so differential diagnosis and histopathological confirmation are important; prospective validation is needed.

Funding: This work was co-funded by the European Union under grant agreement No. 2024-1-PL01-KA220-HED-000251208.

Disclaimer: Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Foundation for the Development of the Education System (FRSE). Neither the European Union nor FRSE can be held responsible for them.