title: Idiopathic bone cavities of the mandible: an update on recurrence rates and case report.
abstract: Idiopathic bone cavities (IBCs) are usually an incidental finding, often found in long bones but also in the craniofacial skeleton. Typically solitary, IBCs can present at multiple sites. Surgical exploration alone has proved effective, although recurrence does occur, particularly in cases with multiple lesions. The average time necessary to observe either recurrence or complete healing has been reported to be more than 3 years. Previously reported low recurrence rates for IBCs in the craniofacial skeleton may have been artificially low because of insufficient long-term follow-up. Providers should be prepared for long-term follow-up and care of these patients. The case of the patient presented here supports the need for long-term follow-up.
authors.affiliation: Resident, Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Christiana Care Health Services, Wilmington, Delaware. Electronic address: rhorne@christianacare.org.
authors.forename: Robert P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Horne
authors.affiliation: Director of Training and Research, Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Christiana Care Health Services, Wilmington, Delaware.
authors.forename: Daniel J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Meara
authors.affiliation: Chairman and Program Director, Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Christiana Care Health Services, Wilmington, Delaware.
authors.forename: Edwin L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Granite
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007570:Jaw Cysts / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008336:Mandibular Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic; D012008:Recurrence