Prevalence of the developmental bone defect of the mandible in cone-beam computed tomography scans

Abstract

The developmental bone defect of the mandible is a bone cavity presenting as a well-defi ned, radiolucent lesion, located in the posterior region of the mandible, just below the inferior dental canal and above the mandibular base. It is asymptomatic, has a greater predilection for males, and a prevalence between 0.1% and 0.48%. The aim of this study was to conduct a review of the literature on the prevalence of this bone defect and compare the literature data to that of an assessment conducted of routine cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) scans from a radiological clinic. The use of diagnostic resources such as cone-beam volumetric tomography was also highlighted. CBCT routine scans taken from July 1st, 2012 to September 27, 2012 were retrieved from the digital archives of a private dental radiology clinic and evaluated, for a total of 1,344 CBCT images. Stafne’s cavity was observed In 22 cases (0.16%). Among the 19 male cases, 15 were Type I, 3 were Type II and 1 was Type III, according to Ariji’s classifi cation.5 All of the 3 female cases (the male-to-female ratio was 6.33:1) were Ariji Type I. The fi ndings of this study were consistent with those from the literature consulted, in that the highest prevalence rates were observed for unilateral, Ariji Type I lesions and in the male gender.