AIM: This study aimed at reviewing a series of clinical cases of children and adolescents treated for idiopathic bone cavity (IBC). METHODS: Ten lesions diagnosed as IBC in nine patients treated between February 2000 and December 2008 were reviewed, focusing on clinical and radiographic aspects, as well the therapeutic approach. RESULTS: Most of the patients were Caucasian with no sex predilection (55.5% males and 45.5% females), and all were in the second decade of life at the time of IBC diagnosis. The lesions were asymptomatic and detected during routine radiographic examinations. All the lesions were located in the mandible, and the anterior region was the most affected. The most adopted therapeutic approach was simple curettage of the bone cavity, and all surgically-treated patients presented complete bone healing after 6 months, postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical and radiographic diagnoses associated with surgical exploration are the most important treatment options in order to avoid radical surgery or unnecessary endodontic treatment, mainly when idiopathic bone cavities are detected in children and adolescents. Further studies aimed at elucidating the etiopathogenesis of this condition and defining the most appropriate treatment should be conducted.
AIM: This study aimed at reviewing a series of clinical cases of children and adolescents treated for idiopathic bone cavity (IBC). METHODS: Ten lesions diagnosed as IBC in nine patients treated between February 2000 and December 2008 were reviewed, focusing on clinical and radiographic aspects, as well the therapeutic approach. RESULTS: Most of the patients were Caucasian with no sex predilection (55.5% males and 45.5% females), and all were in the second decade of life at the time of IBC diagnosis. The lesions were asymptomatic and detected during routine radiographic examinations. All the lesions were located in the mandible, and the anterior region was the most affected. The most adopted therapeutic approach was simple curettage of the bone cavity, and all surgically-treated patients presented complete bone healing after 6 months, postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical and radiographic diagnoses associated with surgical exploration are the most important treatment options in order to avoid radical surgery or unnecessary endodontic treatment, mainly when idiopathic bone cavities are detected in children and adolescents. Further studies aimed at elucidating the etiopathogenesis of this condition and defining the most appropriate treatment should be conducted.