MRONJ
Pronunciation: em-RON-jay
Also written as: MRONJ — Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw
Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw; the current preferred term for jaw bone death associated with antiresorptive or antiangiogenic drug therapy.
Full Definition
MRONJ stands for Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw, a term adopted by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) in 2014 to replace the narrower acronym 'BRONJ' (bisphosphonate-related). The broader term reflects that ONJ can arise from a wider class of medications, including denosumab and antiangiogenic agents, not only bisphosphonates. Diagnostic criteria require exposed bone or bone that can be probed through a fistula in the maxillofacial region persisting for more than eight weeks, in a patient on relevant medications and with no history of craniofacial radiation. Editors must update legacy documents that use 'BRONJ' and ensure consistency in staging terminology (Stages 0–3).
Usage
Usage note: 'BRONJ' is outdated; always prefer 'MRONJ' in current clinical and editorial work. Spell out in full on first use.
In Context
- "The manuscript used 'BRONJ' throughout; the editor updated all instances to 'MRONJ' per the 2014 AAOMS position paper." — Peer-reviewed journal manuscript
- "MRONJ staging was documented as Stage 2, with exposed infected bone and associated pain and erythema." — Surgical consultation letter