Osteoporotic bone marrow defect
DESCRIPTION: As the name implies, this is a localized increase of hematopoietic bone marrow that creates a radiolucent radiographic defect. They occur more commonly in women in the midyears and show a predilection for the molar region of the mandible. They are especially common in extraction sites. Scattered trabeculae may extend short distances into the defect or, in some instances, through it giving the defect a fairly characteristic appearance. Naturally there are no clinical symptoms.
ETIOLOGY: The etiology remains unknown. No connection has been found linking the osteoporotic bone marrow defect with anemia or systemic need for increased erythrocytes.
TREATMENT: Once the diagnosis is established, no treatment is required.
PROGNOSIS: Good
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS: This defect may easily be mistaken for a cyst or tumor. In those cases where there is doubt about the diagnosis, biopsy should be done.
