Curettage combined with decompression for the treatment of ameloblastoma in children: report of two cases.

BACKGROUND: Ameloblastoma (AM) is the most common benign odontogenic tumor, which is more often detected in the mandible than maxilla, especially the mandibular body and mandibular angle. Pediatric AM is a rare disease, especially in patients aged 10 and younger. Compared with the mainstream osteotomy and reconstructive surgery for adult ameloblastoma, there is more room for discussion in the treatment of pediatric ameloblastoma. The postoperative functional and psychological influence can not be ignored. Especially for children in the period of growth and development, an osteotomy is often challenging to be accepted by their parents. We report two patients with ameloblastoma under 10 years old who are treated with curettage and fenestration, which is a beneficial method for children with ameloblastoma. CASE PRESENTATION: We present two cases of classic ameloblastoma in children. We describe in detail the patients' characteristics, treatment processes, and follow-up result. The bone formation and reconstruction in the lesion area after fenestration decompression and curettage are recorded at every clinic review. The surgical details and principles of curettage and decompression are also described and discussed. The two patients have good bone shape recovery and no recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Children are in the growth and development period and possess an extremely strong ability of bone formation and reconstruction. Based on the principles of minimally invasive and functional preservation, we believe that curettage combined with decompression can be the first choice for treating AM in children, especially for mandibular lesions.

[The evolution of phosphocalcic cement in phalangeal and metacarpal enchondromas. A retrospective study of 13 cases]. / Le devenir du ciment phosphocalcique dans les cures d'enchondromes des phalanges et métacarpiens. Une étude rétrospective de 13 cas.

Chondromas are the most frequent benign tumors of the skeleton. The surgical treatment of these tumors consists of curettage of the tumor, which may be associated with a filling of the defect. One of the filling techniques uses bone substitutes. The primary objective was to evaluate the resorption of phosphocalcic injectable cements and their evolution in bone sites. The secondary objectives were to evaluate the function of the finger and to look for a possible recurrence of the chondroma. We performed a bi-centric study and reviewed 13 patients with 14 phalanx or metacarpal chondromas operated on by phosphocalcic cement filling technique with a minimum follow-up of 2years. An X-ray at the longest follow-up was performed as well as a QDASH, a "finger score" and a measurement of the amplitudes. Cement disappearance was observed in 100% of 5 patients. An average of 30% of cement remained at the last follow-up (0-80%). The disappearance of cement was significantly inversely proportional to the time since the last radiograph (P<0.01). On average, total disappearance of cement was found at about 6years postoperatively. The mean QDASH score was 6.1 (0; 40.91). The mean finger score was 3 (0-24). The disappearance of the cement seems to occur in the medium term after its installation but does not predict the functional recovery and satisfaction of patients operated on for the cure of a chondroma of the hand.

Incidence and progression of osteoarthritis following curettage and cementation of giant cell tumor of bone around the knee: long-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) is a benign locally aggressive tumor frequently treated with intralesional curettage and cementation. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term incidence of arthritic changes following curettage and cementation of GCTB around the knee. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a retrospective review of patients with GCTB around the knee treated with curettage and cementation with a minimum follow-up of 10 years. The functional results were assessed using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score. The arthritic changes were classified using the Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) classification system of osteoarthritis. RESULTS: This study included 119 patients, 54 males and 65 females, with a mean age of 29.4 ± 9.2 years. There were 35 (29.4%) patients with pathological fractures. There were 84 (70.6%) patients with de novo lesions and 35 (29.4%) with recurrent lesions. The mean follow-up period was 13.2 ± 3.16 years. The mean MSTS score was 28.5 ± 1.9. Overall, 25 (21%) patients developed variable degrees of arthritis of KL grade 1 (n = 7), KL grade 2 (n = 11), KL grade 3 (n = 4), and KL grade 4 (n = 3). Ten patients showed progression of arthritis during the follow-up period. Age at presentation, gender, presence of pathological fracture, whether the tumor was de novo or recurrent, and tumor location were not associated with arthritis incidence. CONCLUSIONS: Curettage and cementation can be used safely to treat GCTB around the knee. Arthritis of the knee is a possible complication, but mild grades are expected in most cases. There was no association between arthritis incidence and age, gender, pathological fractures, tumor location, or recurrent tumors. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Pediatric Maxillary Giant Cell Tumors: Surgical Management by Transoral and Endoscopic Transnasal Enucleation and Curettage.

Giant cell tumors are uncommonly found within the craniofacial skeleton, and of those within the head and neck, are exceedingly rare in the maxilla. Here the authors present 2 cases of large, maxillary giant cell tumors: one presenting with mass-effect symptoms and another presenting from incidental findings on routine orthodontic care. Both patients were treated surgically with transoral and endoscopic transnasal excision and demonstrated favorable surgical results. One patient demonstrated no recurrence after 9 years and the other patient was disease free after 4 years. The authors end by discussing the role of emerging biologic agents, such as denosumab, for treating giant cell tumors of the jaws.

Outcome of conservative and surgical treatment of enchondromas and atypical cartilaginous tumors of the long bones: retrospective analysis of 228 patients.

BACKGROUND: Sufficient data on outcome of patients with clinically and radiologically aggressive enchondromas and atypical cartilaginous tumors (ACT) is lacking. We therefore analyzed both conservatively and surgically treated patients with lesions, which were not distinguishable between benign enchondroma and low-grade malignant ACT based upon clinical and radiologic appearance. METHODS: The series included 228 consecutive cases with a follow-up > 24 months to assess radiological, histological, and clinical outcome including recurrences and complications. Pain, satisfaction, functional limitations, and the musculoskeletal tumor society (MSTS) score were evaluated to judge both function and emotional acceptance at final follow-up. RESULTS: Follow-up took place at a mean of 82 (median 75) months. The 228 patients all had comparable clinical and radiological findings. Of these, 153 patients were treated conservatively, while the other 75 patients underwent intralesional curettage. Besides clinical and radiological aggressiveness, most lesions were histologically judged as benign enchondromas. 9 cases were determined to be ACT, while the remaining 7 cases had indeterminate histology. After surgery, three patients developed a recurrence, and a further seven had complications of which six were related to osteosynthesis. Both groups had excellent and almost equal MSTS scores of 96 and 97%, respectively, but significantly less functional limitations were found in the non-surgery group. Further sub-analyses were performed to reduce selection bias. Sub-analysis of histologically diagnosed enchondromas in the surgery group found more pain, less function, and worse MSTS score compared to the non-surgery group. Sub-analysis of smaller lesions (< 4.4 cm) did not show significant differences. In contrast, larger lesions displayed significantly worse results after surgery compared to conservative treatment (enchondromas > 4.4 cm: MSTS score: 94.0% versus 97.3%, p = 0.007; pain 2.3 versus 0.8, p = 0.001). The majority of lesions treated surgically was filled with polymethylmethacrylate bone-cement, while the remainder was filled with cancellous-bone, without significant difference in clinical outcome. CONCLUSION: Feasibility of intralesional curettage strategies for symptomatic benign to low-grade malignant chondrogenic tumors was supported. Surgery, however, did not prove superior compared to conservative clinical and radiological observation. Due to the low risk of transformation into higher-grade tumors and better functional results, more lesions might just be observed if continuous follow-up is assured.

Bone combined cement grafting in giant cell tumor around the knee reduces mechanical failure.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of our study are (1) to explore the risk factors of mechanical failure (MF), (2) to figure out an index to evaluate this risk, and (3) to select an optimal reconstruction strategy to reduce this risk. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 104 patients from Dec. 2008 to Mar. 2016, undergone extensive knee curettages in our institution. Radiographs and post-operative interviews were used to classified cases of MF. Relative factors (age, tumor location, the invaded area, etc.) were also collected and analyzed by SPSS software. RESULTS: Thick subchondral bony layer (p = 0.006) and combined grafting of the cement and bone (p = 0.006) had lower risk of mechanical failure. Mechanical failure appeared to happen in the femur (p = 0.012) more easily. The ROC curve (AUC = 0.722) reveals that less post-operative bony layer (≤ 3.3 mm) is more likely to cause mechanical failure. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve showing increased survival in those patients after a combination grafting surgery (HR, 3.799; p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Based on our study results, combined grafting of the cement and bone reduced the risk of mechanical failure in the knee due to the thin subchondral bone layer (SCB), especially in the femur.

Curettage, phenolization, and cementation in paediatric Ewing's sarcoma with a complete radiological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

PURPOSE: Although wide resection is the standard treatment for Ewing's sarcoma (ES), it has complications especially in children. In this study, we compared the oncologic and functional outcomes of wide resection with extended curettage and local adjuvant therapy (phenolization and cementation), as a less extensive surgery for paediatric ES with a complete radiologic response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. METHODS: Children aged ≤ ten years, with ES of non-expendable long-bones and complete radiologic response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, were included in this case-control study. Twenty-six patients were treated with extended curettage and local adjuvant therapy (case group) and 17 were managed with wide resection (control group). The average follow-up period was 60.1 ± 28.7 months (range 30-168 months). Functional outcome was assessed with the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scoring system. RESULTS: Three local recurrences (11.5%) and three distant metastases (11.5%) were observed in the case group. Two local recurrences (11.7%) and two metastases (11.7%) were recorded in the control group. The rate of local recurrence was not statistically different between the two study groups (p = 0.668). The rate of metastasis was not statistically different between the two study groups as well (p = 0.668). The complication rates were 15% in the case group and 53% in the control group (p = 0.005). The mean MSTS score was 98.3% and 74% in the case and control group, respectively (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The oncologic outcome of extended curettage and local adjuvant therapy in paediatric ES with complete radiological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy is comparable to wide resection, yet it offers considerably better functional results.

Surgical treatment of low-grade chondrosarcoma involving the appendicular skeleton: long-term functional and oncological outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The traditional treatment for chondrosarcoma is wide local excision (WLE), as these tumors are resistant to chemotherapy and radiation treatment. While achieving negative margins has traditionally been the goal of chondrosarcoma resection, multiple studies have demonstrated good short-term results after intralesional procedures for low-grade chondrosarcomas (LGCS) with curettage and adjuvant treatments (phenol application, cauterization or cryotherapy) followed by either cementation or bone grafting. Due to the rarity of this diagnosis and the recent application of this surgical treatment modality to chondrosarcoma, most of the information regarding treatment outcomes is retrospective, with short or intermediate-term follow-up. The aim of this study was to assess the long-term results of patients with LGCS of bone treated with intralesional curettage (IC) treatment versus WLE. This retrospective analysis aims to characterize the oncologic outcomes (local recurrence, metastases) and functional outcomes in these two treatment groups at a single institution. METHODS: Using an institutional musculoskeletal oncologic database, we retrospectively reviewed medical records of all patients with LGCS of the appendicular skeleton that underwent surgical treatment between 1985 and 2007. Thirty-two patients (33 tumors) were identified with LGCS; 17 treated with IC and 15 with WLE. RESULTS: Seventeen patients (18 tumors) with a minimum clinical and radiologic follow-up of 10 years were included. Nine patients were treated with IC (four with no adjuvant, three with additional phenol, one with liquid nitrogen and one with H2O2) with either bone graft or cement augmentation, and nine others were treated with WLE and reconstruction with intercalary/osteoarticular allograft or megaprosthesis. The mean age at surgery was 41 years (range 14-66 years) with no difference (p = 0.51) between treatment cohorts. There was a mean follow-up of 13.5 years in the intralesional cohort (range 10-19 years) and 15.9 years in the WLE cohort (range 10-28 years, p = 0.36). Tumor size varied significantly between groups and was larger in patients treated with WLE (8.2 ± 3.1 cm versus 5.4 ± 1.2 cm, at the greatest dimension, p = 0.021). There were two local recurrences (LR), one in the intralesional group and one in the wide local excision group, occurring at 3.5 months and 2.9 years, respectively, and both required revision. No further LR could be detected with long-term follow-up. The MSTS score at final follow-up was significantly higher for patients managed with intralesional procedures (28.7 ± 1.7 versus 25.7 ± 3.4, p = 0.033). There were less complications requiring reoperation in the intralesional group compared with the wide local excision group, although this difference was not found to be statistically significant (one versus four patients, respectively; p = 0.3). CONCLUSION: This series of low-grade chondrosarcoma, surgically treated with an intralesional procedures, with 10-year follow-up, demonstrates excellent local control (88.9%). Complications were infrequent and minor and MSTS functional scores were excellent. Wide resection of LGCS was associated with lower MSTS score and more complications. In our series, the LR in both groups were detected within the first 3.5 years following the index procedure, and none were detected in the late surveillance period.

Central giant cell lesion of the jaws: An updated analysis of 2270 cases reported in the literature.

PURPOSE: To review all available data published on central giant cell lesion (CGCL) of the jaws into a comprehensive analysis of its clinical/radiological features, with emphasis on the predictive factors associated with its recurrence. METHODS: An electronic search was undertaken in 5 databases (February/2018), looking for reporting cases of CGCLs. RESULTS: A total of 365 publications were included, comprising 2270 lesions. CGCLs were more prevalent in women and the mandible. Cortical bone perforation occurred in 50% of the cases. Marginal/segmental resection was more often performed in larger lesions, and drug therapy was more frequent in small lesions. Recurrence was reported in 232 of 1316 cases (17.6%). The recurrence rate of the aggressive lesions (22.8%) after surgical treatment was higher than non-aggressive lesions (7.8%). Four of 5 CGCLs showed partial/total regression with pharmacological treatment. Aggressive lesions showed a worse response to corticosteroids than non-aggressive lesions. For the lesions submitted to surgery as the first treatment, curettage, enucleation, or marginal resection in relation to segmental resection, aggressive lesions, cortical bone perforation, and tooth root resorption were associated with increased recurrence rate. Recurrence related to a combination of surgical/pharmacological treatment could not be evaluated due to the variety of protocols. CONCLUSIONS: Aggressive CGCLs recur more often than the non-aggressive ones. Despite sometimes showing poor response to corticosteroid injection or surgical curettage, a combination of both treatment strategies should be considered in aggressive cases to reduce morbidities associated with radical surgery. The best protocol to manage aggressive and non-aggressive lesions remains to be determined.

Fibrin glue is a quick and effective treatment for primary and recurrent pilonidal sinus disease.

BACKGROUND: Pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) is a common, chronic inflammatory condition involving hair follicles within the natal cleft. It mainly affects young males and creates a significant health, social and economic burden. Traditional surgery is often radical resulting in pain, wound complications, long recovery times and poor cosmesis. The aim of our study was to evaluate fibrin glue as a primary treatment for PSD. METHODS: Fibrin glue procedures for a single surgeon at our institution were identified from operative coding databases and the logbook from January 2011 to January 2016. Patients had curettage of the sinus with fibrin glue obliteration. Recurrence data was collected retrospectively. RESULTS: One hundred and forty-six patients were identified; (115 (79%) males, mean age 30 (range 16-78 years). One hundred and forty-four (99%) were discharged the same day. Four (2.7%) were treated conservatively for wound discharge. Median operating time was 9 (range 4-28) min. There were 40 (27%) recurrences after one glue application. Median time to recurrence was 4 (range 0.25-36) months. Twenty-four (60%) of the recurrences had repeat glue treatment with 4 (16.6%) recurrences. After 2 rounds of treatment with glue alone, 126 out of 130 (96.9%) patients had healed. CONCLUSIONS: Fibrin glue application following curettage of the sinus is a quick and effective procedure for first and second line treatment of PSD.

Treatment of giant cell tumor of distal radius with limited soft tissue invasion: Curettage and cementing versus wide excision.

BACKGROUND: Intralesional curettage and adjuvant versus wide en bloc excision (WEE) as the best treatment method of giant cell tumor (GCT) of distal radius with limited soft tissue extension is a controversial topic. METHODS: Prospectively, 13 patients who had GCT of distal radius with perforation of either volar or dorsal cortex of the bone and soft tissue extension which was confined to one plane were enrolled in the study. Six patients treated with ICC and seven cases cured by WEE technique and proximal fibular arthroplasty. The results were evaluated based on recurrence, range of motion of the wrist joint, rotation of the forearm, grip and pinch power. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients treated with ICC and WEE techniques were 32.7 (range: 23-43) and 34.5 (range: 28-44), respectively. Mean follow-up period was 72 months (range: 28-148). Local recurrence was seen in 4 of 6 patients (66.7%) underwent ICC technique but in none of the 7 subjects treated with WEE technique (P value = 0.021). The overall range of flexion/extension and supination/pronation in the WEE group were 83% and 92% of the ICC group, respectively. Both of pinch and grip power were 14% less in the WEE group compared to the ICC group. CONCLUSIONS: In GCT lesion of distal radius even with limited soft tissue extension, WEE and proximal fibular arthroplasty may be a more reasonable suggestion when the patient seeks a one-shot surgery.

[Bone cysts-differential diagnosis and therapeutic approach]. / Knochenzysten ­ Differenzialdiagnose und therapeutisches Vorgehen.

The differential diagnosis of cystic lesions of the skeleton is multifarious. Besides patient age, the localization and radiologic morphology provide important information for a closer differentiation. Juvenile and aneurysmal bone cysts represent two frequent entities in growing patients. The fluid content of the cysts helps in distinguishing between juvenile and aneurysmal bone cysts. Whereas juvenile bone cysts contain clear fluid, the content of aneurysmal bone cysts consists of blood combined with solid tissue. With respect to progression, aneurysmal bone cysts show a higher activity than solitary bone cysts. The treatment of juvenile bone cysts usually consists of curettage including filling with bone replacement material. For aneurysmal bone cysts the additional use of adjuvants is recommended. Bone cement is preferably used for filling. It shows favorable properties for prophylaxis of recurrence and facilitates the recognition of relapses. Both juvenile and aneurysmal bone cysts often show recurrences.

Combined Autograft and Bone Cement for Painful Chondroblastoma: A Case Report.

Chondroblastomas of the talus can lead to joint collapse and are often treated using curettage and bone grafting. In the present report, we describe the case of a 19-year-old female with a large chondroblastoma of the talus associated with a secondary aneurysmal cyst. We treated the large cartilage lesion, which involved most of the talus, with an iliac bone graft combined with bone cement to fill the large bone defect and preserve the subchondral bone of the articular surface of the dome of the talus.

Central Dentinogenic Ghost Cell Tumor: An Update on a Rare Aggressive Odontogenic Tumor.

PURPOSE: Dentinogenic ghost cell tumor (DGCT) is a very rare odontogenic lesion, with most knowledge based on single case reports. Therefore, a comprehensive analysis was performed of the clinical and radiologic features of reported cases of DGCT with an emphasis on treatment modalities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a case series of DGCTs collected from the literature after a systematic search of Medline's PubMed and Google Scholar. Three additional cases were included from the authors' files. Demographic data of the patients, lesion site and size, and radiologic features were analyzed. Treatment approach and events of recurrence were recorded. RESULTS: Forty-five cases (42 from the literature) were included. The mean age of patients was 39.7 ± 19.3 years (range, 12 to 79 yr) and the male-to-female ratio was 1.8:1. The mandible-to-maxilla ratio was 1.14:1, with the posterior region of the jaws being the most commonly involved site. Radiographically, 78% lesions were unilocular, 67% were mixed radiolucent and radiopaque, and 68% had well-defined borders. The mean lesion size was 4.0 cm (range, 1.8 to 13.0 cm). The primary treatment for 21 patients was conservative surgery consisting of enucleation or curettage. Follow-up information for longer than 1 year (mean, 6.2 ± 8.3 yr; range, 1 to 31 yr) was known for 15 patients, of whom 11 (73%) had recurrences. The primary treatment in 19 patients was radical surgery consisting of marginal or segmental resection. Follow-up information for longer than 1 year (mean, 3.3 ± 2.6 yr; range, 1 to 10 yr) was known for 12 patients, of whom 4 (33%) had recurrences. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlighted the potentially aggressive biological behavior of DGCTs that demands extensive surgery and long follow-up. However, owing to the rarity of DGCT, more well-documented cases with long follow-up periods are needed to further define the optimal treatment modalities and prognosis.

Maxillary Reconstruction for Sinus Lift Complications With Oro-Antral Fistula: The Le Fort I Approach.

Although sinus lift procedures are reliable, some complications can lead to serious maxillary sequelae, including the development of oro-antral fistula (OAF). Maxillary reconstruction in such patients presents a challenge owing to sinus floor alterations, graft remnants, chronic infection, and morbidity from the original sinus lift approach. The current study describes our technique of maxillary reconstruction using a Le Fort 1 approach following major sinus lift complications with associated residual OAF. This technique provides excellent access for sinus curettage, OAF closure, and osseous reconstruction. It allowed a successful rehabilitation in our patients, with no implant loss and good functional and esthetic results.

Operative treatment of chondroblastoma: a study of 11 cases.

Aim of the study was to review the radiological, clinical results of 11 chondroblastoma cases treated at our institute between 2003-2013. All patients with chondroblastoma included in this study underwent intra-lesional curettage+/-bone grafting. Follow up for healing of chondroblastoma lesions and detection of any local recurrence was assessed on clinical and radiological bases. The functional outcome was assessed by the Musculoskeletal Tumour Society scoring system. The mean follow-up period was 6.1 years. There were three recurrences (two femoral head, one proximal tibia). The mean Musculoskeletal Tumour Society functional score was 21. First line aggressive treatment seems appropriate for chondroblastoma especially when localized at lower extremities.

A rare case of aneurymal bone cyst of cuboid bone in a 10-year-old girl.

Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABC) are rare and they represent 1- 1.4 % of all primary bone tumors. ABC of cuboid bone are extremely rare, especially in children. Very few cases have been reported in the literature since 1967. We present a case of pathological fracture of cuboid bone due to an aneurysmal cyst in a 10-year-old girl. Surgery was performed, which included open biopsy with aspiration and intralesional curettage . Bone defect was then filled in by fully synthetic cancellous bone graft substitute consisting of pure ß-tricalcium phosphate. Aneurysmal cyst of cuboid bone with pathological fracture could be successfully treated with pure ß-tricalcium phosphate as a bone graft substitute. This procedure is safe with excellent outcome.Follow up to nearly four years did not show any recurrence.

Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome and the Keratocystic Odontogenic Tumor.

PURPOSE: To analyze the clinical and radiographic manifestations of nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS) with a particular emphasis on the presence, treatment, and outcomes of keratocystic odontogenic tumors (KOTs) in these patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The authors implemented a prospective case series and enrolled a sample of patients with KOTs and NBCCS. The primary study variables were the demographics, treatment, and outcomes of managing KOTs in this sample. Descriptive statistics were computed. RESULTS: The sample was composed of 16 patients (10 male and 6 female; mean age, 24 yr). These patients presented with 32 previously untreated KOTs. Fifteen patients with 31 KOTs consented to surgery that consisted of a total of 61 procedures during the study period. These procedures included 19 primary enucleation and curettage surgeries and 12 marsupialization procedures followed by secondary enucleation and curettage surgeries. During the course of clinical and radiographic follow-up examinations, 14 new primary and 5 persistent KOTs (refractory to enucleation and curettage surgeries) were diagnosed, of which 13 new primary KOTs and 5 persistent KOTs were treated. A total of 51 KOTs (32 primary, 14 new lesions that developed during follow-up, and 5 persistent lesions) were diagnosed, and 15 patients consented to operative treatment of 49 KOTs. Forty-eight enucleation and curettage surgeries were performed for 49 KOTs that showed effective treatment without persistence in 43 cases (90%) during a follow-up period from 2 to 20 years (mean, 7 yr). One resection was performed for a persistent KOT. The 5-year disease-free estimate after primary enucleation and curettage was 86% (95% confidence interval, 74.8-97.4). Other clinical and radiographic stigmata of the syndrome were diagnosed, including calcified falx cerebri, frontal bossing, hypertelorism, multiple basal cell carcinomas, and others. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study identify the variable expressivity of this syndrome and the favorable outcomes of marsupialization and enucleation and curettage of syndromic KOTs.

Surgical management of the buccal bifurcation cyst: bone grafting as a treatment adjunct to enucleation and curettage.

The buccal bifurcation cyst (BBC) is a rare inflammatory odontogenic cyst of unknown etiology. It typically develops on the buccal aspect of the permanent mandibular first molar and occasionally on the permanent mandibular second molar in children 4 to 14 years old. Distinct clinical findings of the BBC include involvement of a vital partially or fully erupted mandibular first or second molar, swelling in the affected mandibular molar region, delayed or altered eruption pattern of the involved tooth, and an increase in periodontal pocket depth when the affected tooth is partially erupted. Specific radiographic features include a radiolucent lesion on the buccal aspect of the tooth involving the roots to a variable extent, tilting of the involved molar so that the root apices are toward the lingual cortical plate, an intact periodontal ligament space and lamina dura, a periosteal reaction on the buccal surface, and an intact inferior border of the mandible. The histopathology of the lesion has been described as similar to a radicular or inflammatory odontogenic cyst. Most of the current literature supports simple enucleation and curettage of the cyst without extraction of the involved tooth as the treatment of choice. This report presents 3 cases of BBCs that were treated with enucleation and curettage without extraction of the involved tooth, in addition to a bone graft placed primarily or secondarily as an adjunctive treatment approach to the current therapies.