Assessment of Prevalence and Volumetric Estimation of Possible Stafne Bone Concavities on Cone Beam Computed Tomography Images

Abstract

Objectives Our study aimed to determine the prevalence and volumetric estimates of Stafne bone cavities (SBC) on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Methods This retrospective study, which involved the CBCT images of 1141 men and 1260 women with an age range of 10-90 years, aimed to determine the prevalence of SBCs and to calculate their volumes using the semi-automatic segmentation method. Results A total of 15 SBCs were diagnosed in 14 patients. Among the detected SBCs, 7.14% were found in a female patient and 92.86% were found in 13 male patients. Of the total number of SBCs, 6.67% were anteriorly located and 93.33% were posteriorly located. Bilateral SBCs had a prevalence of 0.04%; unilateral posterior SBCs 0.54% and anterior SBCs 0.04%. The mean SBC volume was calculated as 338.05 mm(3). Conclusions The results of our study showed that SBC is a rare anomaly. In contrast to two-dimensional imaging techniques, CBCT allows a precise determination of SBCs' pattern of impact on adjacent bony structures, relationship with the mandibular canal and dimensions.