Vanishing mandible

Abstract

Massive osteolysis is a rare, insidious, chronic disease characterized by progressive resorption of contiguous osseous structures. In 1838 Jackson first described a case of disappearing humerus. More than 150 cases have since been described in the international literature, with fewer then 35 involving a maxillofacial site, usually the mandible. The exact cause of this disease remains unknown, but ongoing clinical research attempts to better understand the etiology. This case report is to our knowledge the second case in the international literature (after that reported by Thoma in 1933) to report complete resorption of the mandible.