Stafne’s Bone Defect in Atypical Location: Between the Subcondylar Region and Neck of the Mandible Ramus

Francisco Barbosa De Araújo Neto ,José Dilermando Gotardo,Vinícius Martins Valois,Stefanie Gallotti Borges Carneiro,Flávio Henrique Martins Lessa,Tiago Bezerra Albano,Dalton Yukio Araújo Fugita,Raphael Gomes Teixeira ,Erick Falci Santos

doi:10.4236/ojmi.2017.73012

Abstract

CONTEXT: Stafne’s bone defect is a benign lesion appearing on the image as a round radiolucent lesion within a cortical defect on the mandible. CASE REPORT: We attend one 46-year-old male patient came for diagnostic evaluation of a rounded and radiolucent lesion in the transition of the subcondylar region and neck of the left mandible ramus incidentally found by a dentist. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were performed in medical radiology and a Stafne’s cyst was diagnosed in an atypical location. CONCLUSION: We emphasize that Stafne’s bone defect is a benign lesion, whose imaging diagnosis can be conclusive, avoiding unnecessary surgical procedures.

Highlights

Stafne bone cavity is a rare abnormality, named after Edward Stafne, who first described the lesion in 1942
CASE REPORT: We attend one 46-year-old male patient came for diagnostic evaluation of a rounded and radiolucent lesion in the transition of the subcondylar region and neck of the left mandible ramus incidentally found by a dentist
Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were performed in medical radiology and a Stafne’s cyst was diagnosed in an atypical location

Summary

Introduction

Stafne bone cavity is a rare abnormality, named after Edward Stafne, who first described the lesion in 1942. The lesion is known by many synonyms, such as Stafne lacune, static bone cavity, latent bone cyst and lingual mandibular bone depression. The pathogenesis is believed to be caused by the pressure of the submandibular glands against lingual cortical bone of the mandible. Patients may present anatomical variations, making the diagnosis challenging, often confusing with injuries of another nature and leading to unnecessary treatments. It is interesting to know the possible anatomical variations, to make the correct diagnosis and not to cause injuries to the patient [1] [2] [3]. Patients may have anatomical variations, making the diagnosis essential and challenging for effective management, avoiding unnecessary treatments

Case Report

Discussion

Conclusion