Fibrous dysplasia of craniomaxillofacial bones: A clinical study of 18 cases and review of the literature

Abstract

Aim. The purpose of this study was to evaluate our experience with treatment and outcome of 18 cases of fibrous dysplasia (FD) that were treated in our clinic. Materials and Methods. We present 18 cases of FD of craniomaxillofacial bones. 7 patients were affected by the polyostotic type of the disease, 2 by McCune Albright Syndrome (MAS) and 9 by the monostotic type. One patient with monostotic type developed malignant transformation (osteosarcoma). All the patients were treated with conservative surgical procedures as the primary treatment, mainly for aesthetic reasons. 2 patients required subsequent surgery to reduce furthermore bone enlargement. 2 patients received supplementary treatment with bisphosphonates (BPs). Results. The follow-up for all patients ranged from 3 to 14 years. Cosmetic results and local control of the disease proved satisfactory for most patients. Conclusions. The opinions about surgical procedures for the treatment of FD are controversial. Many authors believe that radical surgical excision permits an immediate functional and aesthetic result. BPs may have a significant role for the therapy of FD.