Search for a reliable model for bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: establishment of a model in pigs and description of its histomorphometric characteristics

The pathogenesis of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) remains unknown, and the development of a reliable experimental model would help to improve our understanding of it. We used 12 domestic pigs of which 6 made up the experimental group and were treated with zoledronate 4 mg intravenously weekly for 5 weeks, while the control group (n = 6) were given no drugs. On day 60 the right second maxillary and mandibular third...