Clinical and radiographic features of solitary and cemento-osseous dysplasia-associated simple bone cysts

• Published in: Dento-maxillo-facial radiology 2011-05, Vol.40 (4), p.230-235
• Main Authors: Chadwick, J W, Alsufyani, N A, Lam, E W N
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Bone Remodeling; Cementoma - complications; Cementoma - diagnostic imaging; Cementoma - pathology; Child; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Fibrous Dysplasia of Bone - complications; Fibrous Dysplasia of Bone - diagnostic imaging; Fibrous Dysplasia of Bone - pathology; Humans; Male; Mandibular Diseases - complications; Mandibular Diseases - diagnostic imaging; Mandibular Diseases - pathology; Maxillary Diseases - complications; Maxillary Diseases - diagnostic imaging; Maxillary Diseases - pathology; Middle Aged; Nonodontogenic Cysts - complications; Nonodontogenic Cysts - diagnostic imaging; Nonodontogenic Cysts - pathology; Osteomyelitis - complications; Osteomyelitis - diagnostic imaging; Osteomyelitis - pathology; Radiography; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0250-832X; 1476-542X
• DOI: 10.1259/dmfr/16355120

The simple bone cyst (SBC) is a pseudocyst that can occur as a solitary entity in the jaws or may occur in association with cemento-osseous dysplasia (COD). The purpose of this study was to review the clinical and radiographic features of solitary and COD-associated SBCs. Archived imaging reports from the Special Procedures Clinic in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology at the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Toronto between 1 January 1989 and 31 December 2009 revealed 23 COD-associated SBCs and 68 solitary SBCs. Almost all solitary and COD-associated SBCs were found in the mandible. Furthermore, 87.0% of COD-associated SBCs were found in females in their fifth decade of life (P < 0.001) while solitary SBCs were found in equal numbers in both sexes in their second decade of life (P < 0.005). COD-associated SBCs were also more likely to cause thinning of the endosteal cortex, bone expansion and scalloping of the superior border between teeth (all P < 0.001) than solitary SBCs that are classically described as having these characteristics. Finally, COD-associated SBC demonstrated a loss of lamina dura more often (P < 0.05) than solitary SBCs. Knowledge of the sporadic association between COD and SBC and their potential radiographic appearances should prevent inappropriate treatment and management of these patients.