Osteoma Diagnosis and Management in Craniofacial Systems

Osteomas are benign bony neoplasms arising within the craniofacial skeleton that may be central, peripheral or extra-skeletal in origin. Although typically slow-growing and asymptomatic, they can lead to deformity, sinus obstruction, ocular complications and functional impairment when located in paranasal sinuses, orbital rims or jawbones. Diagnosis relies principally on high-resolution imaging, including computed tomography and cone-beam CT, which delineate lesion size, location and relationship to adjacent neurovascular structures. Magnetic resonance imaging may aid in assessing soft-tissue involvement. Management strategies range from conservative observation for small, asymptomatic lesions to surgical excision in cases of rapid growth, symptomatic burden or aesthetic concern. Minimally invasive endoscopic approaches have been adopted for sinus osteomas, while open techniques remain standard for larger frontal and orbital lesions. Reconstruction after resection often employs autologous grafts or patient-specific alloplastic implants to restore contour and function. Advances in three-dimensional planning and printing have enhanced surgical precision and implant customisation, reducing operative time and improving postoperative outcomes. Multidisciplinary care involving maxillofacial surgeons, otolaryngologists and radiologists is essential for optimal decision-making and long-term follow-up to monitor recurrence and craniofacial development, particularly in paediatric populations.

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Osteoma Diagnosis and Management in Craniofacial Systems publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in osteoma diagnosis and management in craniofacial systems across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Osteoma: A benign bone tumour characterised by the proliferation of compact or cancellous bone, commonly affecting craniofacial bones.

Peripheral osteoma: A subtype of osteoma that arises from the periosteal surface, often presenting as a pedunculated mass on the jaw or skull vault.

Patient-specific cutting guide: A surgical template created via three-dimensional planning and printing, tailored to the patient’s anatomy to direct precise bone resections.

Hydroxyapatite implant: An alloplastic graft material composed of calcium phosphate that mimics bone mineral, used for reconstructing bony defects and promoting osteointegration.

References

1. Voluminous fronto-parietal osteomas: Guided resection with patient-specific cutting guides and reconstruction with a 3D printed hydroxyapatite implant. Annals of 3D Printed Medicine (2025).
2. Large Peripheral Osteomas and Dental Implants: A Case Report. Medicina (2024).