Medication-related osteonecrosis of the external auditory canal - A rapid review of the literature and relevance to special care dentists

AIMS: There is growing evidence that anti-resorptive and anti-angiogenic medications can cause medication-related osteonecrosis of the external auditory canal (MROEAC). It is possible that patients taking risk medications may also suffer from concomitant medication -related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement. The aim of this paper is to conduct a rapid review of the literature on MROEAC, and, its relevance to special care dentists.

METHODS AND RESULTS: A rapid review of the literature was carried out using PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholar to identify papers relating to MROEAC. The grey literature and non-English papers were also consulted. Overall, 19 papers were identified from 2005 until December 2022.

CONCLUSIONS: Patients at risk of MRONJ may also be at risk of MROEAC and present to special care dentists. Dental/orofacial disease may cause signs and symptoms suggestive of MROEAC. It should be considered as a potential cause of orofacial pain in special care patients. MROEAC can have a significant impact on a patient's dental treatment, including access, the provision of sedation, communication difficulties, and consent issues.