Stafne’s Bone Cavity in a Sample of the Lebanese Population: A Retrospective Study on 3500 Digital Panoramic Radiographs

Introduction: Stafne's bone cavity (SBC) is a benign condition characterized by a cystic concavity in the jawbone, most commonly the mandible. It is typically discovered incidentally during dental radiography and appears as a well-defined radiolucency caused by displaced submandibular salivary gland tissue.

Purpose: We aimed to investigate the frequency of SBC in the Lebanese population and describe the clinical and radiological characteristics of detected cases. Our findings provide valuable insights into the prevalence and nature of SBC in this population, contributing to the existing body of knowledge on this condition and informing clinical practice.

Materials and Methods: This study, conducted at the Lebanese University – Faculty of Dental Medicine, analyzed 3500 digital panoramic radiographs obtained over three years to evaluate the presence of SBCs and any differences in age and gender among patients.

Results: A total of 11 cases fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of SBC (0.31%), out of 3500 digital panoramic radiographs screened. Seven cases were reported in men (63.6%), at a mean age of 61.5 years, and four cases in women (36.4%), at a mean age of 57 years. The involvement of SBC on the left and right sides of the mandible was given at a ratio of 8:3. All 11 cases of SBC were found in the body of the mandible (100%). The oval form was predominant, accounting for 81.8% of the cases, while the round form was observed in 18.2% of the cases.

Conclusion: Our results indicate that SBC is a rare anomaly in the Lebanese population. Further research may provide additional insights into the prevalence and characteristics of this condition, as well as its potential risk factors and underlying mechanisms. These findings may have important implications for the diagnosis and management of SBC in clinical practice.