Idiopathic bone cavities of the mandible: an update on recurrence rates and case report

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.