Imaging features analysis and diagnostic value of CBCT in Stafne bone cavity

doi:10.12439/kqhm.1005-4979.2026.05.007

Abstract

Abstract:

Objective:

To investigate the imaging characteristics of Stafne bone cavity (SBC) through retrospective case analysis and to provide a reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Methods:

Imaging data from 22 patients with SBC were retrospectively analyzed. Fourteen patients underwent panoramic radiography and 19 underwent cone beam CT (CBCT). Imaging data in digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) format from the CBCT scans were imported into Mimics Medical 21.0 software for three-dimensional reconstruction and volumetric measurement of the lesions.

Results:

SBC was identified in 12 of 14 panoramic radiographs (85.71%), whereas all 19 CBCT scans successfully demonstrated the lesion (100%). All 19 SBCs were located between the mandibular canal and the inferior border of the mandible. A total of 16 lesions (84.21%) did not contact the inferior border of the mandible, whereas 3 lesions (15.79%) were in contact with it. Regarding the relationship with the mandibular canal, 9 lesions (47.37%) showed no contact, 6 lesions (31.58%) contacted the canal with an intact canal wall, and 4 lesions (21.05%) contacted the canal and caused discontinuity of the canal wall. According to the Friedrich classification, 2 lesions (10.53%) were classified as type 0, 10 (52.63%) as typeⅠ, 6 (31.58%) as typeⅡ, and 1 (5.26%) as typeⅢ. The lesion volume ranged from 62.58 to 3 189.31 mm³, with a mean volume of 582.74 mm³.

Conclusion:

Imaging examination is pivotal for SBC diagnosis. Compared to panoramic radiography, which has limitations in bucco-lingual visualization, CBCT offers clear advantages in three-dimensional localization, neurovascular relationship assessment, and quantitative volumetric analysis. Small-field-of-view CBCT is recommended as an important follow-up modality for SBC monitoring.

Key words: Stafne bone cavity, cone beam CT, panoramic radiography

摘要：

目的：

回顾性分析Stafne骨腔（Stafne bone cavity，SBC）的影像学特征，为临床诊疗方案的制定提供参考依据。

方法：

回顾性分析22例SBC患者的影像学资料，其中14例接受全景片检查，19例接受锥形束CT（cone beam CT，CBCT）检查。将19例CBCT影像数据以医学数字成像和通信（digital imaging and communications in medicine，DICOM）格式导入Mimics Medical 21.0软件进行三维重建并测量病灶体积。

结果：

14例全景片中有12例（85.71%）可辨识SBC，有2例未能辨识（14.29%）；19例CBCT图像均能辨识SBC（100%）。19例SBC均位于下颌神经管和下颌骨下缘之间，其中16例（84.21%）SBC未接触下颌骨下缘，3例（15.79%）SBC接触下颌骨下缘；9例（47.37%）未接触下颌神经管，6例（31.58%）接触下颌神经管且管壁完整，4例（21.05%）接触下颌神经管并导致管壁不完整。根据Friedrich分型标准，0型2例（10.53%），Ⅰ型10例（52.63%），Ⅱ型6例（31.58%），Ⅲ型1例（5.26%）。19例SBC体积为62.58~3 189.31 mm³，平均体积为582.74 mm³。

结论：

影像学检查是SBC诊断的核心依据，相较于全景片对下颌骨颊舌向显示能力的局限性，CBCT在病灶三维定位、神经管关系评估及体积定量分析方面具有明显优势，建议将小视野CBCT作为重要的随访观察手段。

关键词: Stafne骨腔, 锥形束CT, 全景片

CLC Number:

R782

YANG Yuhuan, ZHANG Li, LI Shengjiao, SHI Xiong. Imaging features analysis and diagnostic value of CBCT in Stafne bone cavity[J]. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery(CN), 2026, 36(5): 410-415.

杨雨欢, 张利, 李生娇, 施雄. Stafne骨腔的影像学特征分析与CBCT诊断价值[J]. 《口腔颌面外科杂志》, 2026, 36(5): 410-415.

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URL: https://journal06.magtech.org.cn/Jweb_joms/EN/10.12439/kqhm.1005-4979.2026.05.007

https://journal06.magtech.org.cn/Jweb_joms/EN/Y2026/V36/I5/410

Figures/Tables 6

Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the SBC volume measurement process in CBCT using the software Mimics

Figure 2 The panoramic radiograph showing poor visualization of SBC

Figure 3 The SBC appears as a round or oval radiolucency on panoramic radiographs

Figure 4 The relationship between the SBC and the mandibular canal is indistinct on panoramic radiography

Figure 5 Buccolingual depth of SBC cavities in the mandible

Figure 6 Relationship between the SBC and the mandibular canal

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