The Digital Diagnostic Approach to Stafne’s Bone Cavity (SBC): From a Review of the Literature to the Description of a Clinical Case.

Abstract

Introduction:Stafne’s Bone Cavity [SBC] is a rare, well-defined, mandibular bone lesion, which was first discovered by Edward C. Stafne in 1942.Objective:The purpose of this article is to evaluate a digital diagnostic approach to Stafne’s Bone Cavity (SBC) through a review and description of some clinical cases.Methods:The review was conducted through an analysis of the literature of all articles published on Stafne’s Bone Cavity.We report the case of a 55-year-old male patient who needed tooth implant rehabilitation, and therefore, a panoramic radiograph was taken as part of the routine evaluation and plan of care. After the diagnosis, the focus was on more precise imaging and the merits of choosing Computerized Tomography or Magnetic Resonance Imaging were compared.Results:According to our review of the literature, the prevalence of these cavities was found to be 0.14%, while 8% of them were found in male patients and 72% of them were found in male patients older than 44 years of age.The patient’s panoramic radiograph revealed the presence of an SBC in his left posterior side of the mandible. In order to confirm and improve the diagnosis, the patient underwent a Computer Tomography exam, chosen for its benefits outweighing those of an MRI.Conclusion:Stafne’s bone cavity (SBC) is indeed an uncommon finding as it is asymptomatic and is identified only through panoramic imaging, CT scans or MRIs. However, it can pose some logistical problems in the application of dental implants. The typology of this case study confirmed the findings of the systematic review; the patient, being a middle aged male, presented a mandibular SBC, which was discovered only during a routine panoramic x-ray to plan the fitting of dental implants. The use of tomography confirmed the diagnosis of SBC and detailed the anatomical structure, thus guiding the restoration process.