Spontaneous Bone Neo-formation After Mandibular Resection: Case Report and a Scoping Review

Mandibular tumors in children are mostly benign, although they can be locally aggressive and rapidly progressing. Methods of reconstructing mandibular defects after the ablation of these lesions are still challenging. In the pediatric population, there is enormous periosteal osteogenic potential due to high cellular activity and viability of mesenchymal cells for new bone formation, which, together with grafts, can aid in spontaneous bone neo-formation (SBNF).

We present an uncommon case of well-shaped bone neo-formation of the ramus–condyle unit in a 3-year-old patient who underwent mandibular partial resection after being affected by a central giant cell granuloma. In addition, a literature review of all the main cases of SBNF after partial or total resection of this bone is presented, with the representative features outlined.

Future studies focusing on the exact mechanisms of the periosteum in bone neo-formation should be conducted.