Fibrous Dysplasia in the Craniofacial Region: a retrospective review of cases treated in a Tertiary Hospital, North- west Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is a rare bony disorder in which normal bone is replaced by abnormal fibro-osseous tissue. It often involves the long bones, craniofacial bones, ribs, and pelvis. It often occurs in the first and second decades of life. We, therefore retrospectively review cases of fibrous dysplasia of the craniofacial region treated in our Centre.

Objective: To present the clinical features, radiological appearances and treatments of craniofacial fibrous dysplasia.

Methodology: The study was a retrospective review of case files of patients that were treated in our Centre for fibrous dysplasia of the craniofacial region from January, 2009 to October, 2021. Records of patients were obtained from clinic register and operation register. The case folders of the patients were retrieved and analyzed for age, sex, site, clinical features, radiological findings and treatment received.

Results: Thirty-three cases were included in the study. Majority of the cases occurred in the age group 11 – 20 years (n=22, 66.7%), the least affected was age group 51 - 60 (n=1, 3.0%). Females were more affected (n=20, 60.6%) than males (n=13, (39.4%) at the ration of 1.5:1. The maxillae was most affected (n=21, 63.7%), then mandible (n=11, 33.3%), the cranial bones were least affected (n=1, 3.7%). Surgical excision was the modality of treatment for all our cases.

Conclusion: Fibrous dysplasia causes facial disfigurement and surgical excision is the ideal treatment with excellent outcome. CT scan, radiographic examination of the lesion before surgery and histopathology of excised tissue are crucial to its diagnosis.