Florid osseous dysplasia causing sensory disturbances in the area supplied by the inferior alveolar nerve

Abstract

Introduction: Florid osseous dysplasia is a rare benign pathology, characterized by a multifocal extension, and possibly affecting the four maxillo-mandibular quartors. It is often a fortuitous discovery, and only becomes symptomatic when the lesions are voluminous, deforming mandible or maxillary, or when secondary infections occur. Observation: A 45-year-old African patient is referred for diagnosis of a florid osseous dysplasia. Mandibular lesions are revealed by a CBCT scan. As the patient is asymptomatic, an annual follow-up was established. Six months later, the patient shows neuropathic pain signs on the right side of the chin and the inferior lip: the inferior alveolar nerve seems to be affected. A surgical treatment is then proposed to the patient. Discussion: Affection of the alveolo-dental nerve due to florid osseous dysplasia has never yet been reported in literature. However, our patient showed neuropathic pain symptoms, with no sign of infection, and the CBCT revealed a great proximity of the nerve and the lesions. The surgery was a success: removing the calcified masses has allowed us to amend the neuropathic pain. We can then suppose that the bone lesions were directly responsible for our patient's pain symptoms. Conclusion: Florid osseous dysplasia lesions, when close to the inferior alveolar nerve, can cause a nerve illness, by compression, on its intracanal trajectory or by its foramen.