Stafne bone cavity

Abstract

Objective To study the clinical manifestations and biological characteristics of Stafne bone cavity and to reduce misdiagnosis and excessive treatment. Methods Four cases of typical Stafne bone cavity, including clinical features and follow ⁃ up data, were retrospectively analyzed, and the results, combined with a review of the literature, were analyzed in terms of the etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic criteria and treatment of Stafne bone cavity. Results Stafne bone cavity is also known as static bone cavity, idiopathic bone cavity, latent bone cavity defects, aber⁃ rant salivary glands, heterotopic mandibular salivary glands, mandibular lingual bone cavity, mandibular lingual cortical bone defect, etc. The incidence of Stafne bone cavity is approximately 0.5%. This condition is easily misdiagnosed as a jaw or jaw cyst tumor and treated unnecessarily. Most scholars believe that the causes of Stafne bone cavity can be di⁃ vided into two types: developmental and glandular. Stafne bone cavity is characterized by either no symptoms or occa⁃ sional pain. This condition is observed mostly in 40⁃60⁃year⁃old male patients. The imaging diagnostic criteria for Stafne bone cavity are as follows: ① projecting round or ovoid mandible and uniform density with a distinct bone⁃cortical white line; ② clearly distinguishable from adjacent structures, such as teeth; ③ typical location in the mandibular angle and molar area, below the mandibular neural tube. Most Stafne bone cavities without advanced bone destruction do not re⁃ quire treatment, although individual cases may gradually progress. Conclusion Stafne bone cavity presents no symp⁃ toms or causes occasional pain and can be clearly diagnosed with CBCT. This condition does not require surgical treat⁃ ment and should be followed up with observation.

Keywords

• Stafne bone cavity
• Mandibular lingual bone cavity
• Developmental
• Glandular