A rare observation of mandibular buccal ramus variant of stafne bone defect

Ian Day, Andrea Bell, Anita Jo

Abstract

The characteristically incidental finding of a mandibular bone depression, most commonly known as Stafne defect, typically presents as an asymptomatic, radiolucent lesion. Classically observed on the lingual surface of the mandibular angle, below the level of the inferior alveolar icanal, these rare idiopathic bone cavities may carry significant management implications for the treating dentist and can be difficult to diagnose in the setting of an atypical presentation. The present report describes one such unusual presentation of a Stafne bone defect identified in the mandible of an 89-year- old African-American male donor during routine anatomical dissection.