Fibro-osseous lesions: Pattern of presentation and management – A retrospective study

Background: Fibro-osseous lesions (FOL) constitute a group of disorders in which normal bone is replaced by fibrous tissues and more often affect the craniofacial bones. This study aimed to describe the pattern of presentation and management of FOL encountered at two tertiary institutions in Northwestern Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This study was a retrospective review of all cases of oral and maxillofacial swellings diagnosed histologically as fibro-osseous over 13-year period (from March 2012 to February 2025). Ethical clearance was obtained from the institution’s Ethics and Research Committee, and data collected included demographic information, site, diagnosis, treatment offered and follow-up. Analysis was done using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 25. Results: A total of 146 cases of FOL were recorded, 45 (38.4%) males and 90 (61.6%) females, with a median age of 25 years, and a range of 6–84 years. The most common age group was 21–30 years, accounting for 44 cases (30.1%). Ossifying fibroma (OF) of the mandible – 75 cases (51.4%), emerged as the most frequent lesion-location combination, showing a statistically significant difference compared to other lesions and sites ( χ 2 = 48.934, df = 10, P < 0.001). Of the 146 cases, 129 (88.4%) underwent various surgical interventions, including maxillectomy, mandibulectomy, radical resections and conservative excisions. Follow-up data were largely incomplete. Conclusion: FOLs are common in individuals aged 21–30 years. OF is the most prevalent subtype, and jaw resection is often required for management.