Clinicopathological Characteristics and Prognosis of Ossifying Fibroma in the Jaws of Children: A Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND: Ossifying fibroma in the jaws is a benign tumor and easily recurs in children, of which the treatment methods and prognosis still remain controversial. In this study, we aimed to review the clinicopathological characteristics, treatment, and prognosis of ossifying fibroma in the jaws of children, and offer recommendations for clinical decision-making. METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out on patients below the age of 18 years with ossifying fibroma in the jaws. Patients with complete clinical, pathological, and radiological records were included and followed-up. RESULTS: Sixty-three cases were collected with a preliminary search. After screening, fifty patients were included for general information analysis, of which forty-two patients were included in the recurrence analysis. Twelve patients showed a relapse, with a recurrence rate of 28.6% (12/42). The recurrence rates in cases with different surgical approaches and different X-ray boundaries were statistically different. Besides, twenty-three patients underwent reconstruction by free tissue grafting and the success rate was 96% (22/23). CONCLUSIONS: There was significant difference in the recurrence rates among different X-ray manifestations and surgical methods. An extended resection and reconstruction with free tissue grafting was a reliable method with a 96% success rate.