The relationship between idiopathic bone cavity and orthodontic tooth movement: analysis of 44 cases

Idiopathic bone cavity (IBC), also named simple or traumatic bone cyst, is a common lesion of unknown cause. The mandible is a very common location, although it may occur in any bone of the body. The authors performed a retrospective analysis of 44 cases in order to assess the causation of this entity. Each case was analysed by two of the authors (IV and SM) for medical and dental history, history of mandibular/maxillary trauma, clinical presentation, radiographic appearance, surgical findings and histopathology. This retrospective study suggested a possible relationship between IBCs and orthodontic treatment. This association was noted in 10/44 cases (22.73%). All of these cases were located in the mandible and were well-circumscribed radiolucencies. Evaluation of these cases disclosed that 6/44 (13.64%) demonstrated scalloping, and 3/44 (6.82%) revealed bony expansion. The age range of the patients evaluated was 9-74 years. None of these cases had a history of trauma or extractions in the area. The findings of this retrospective study suggest an association between orthodontic treatment and the development of this IBC. This occurrence may be multifactorial; further research in the dental science is required.