Radiomorphometric indices as indicator in osteoporosis-A digital panaromic study

Abstract

Osteopenia/ osteoporosis affect many elderly people and might not be detected until symptoms of fractures occur. Early detection of osteopenia/ osteoporosis is important and would allow preventive measures and treatment. Access to screening of osteoporosis is often limited, whereas panoramic radiography is widely used in dentistry. This highlights the role of the dentist in the early diagnosis of this disease. With this background the present study is intended to analyse the radiomorphometric indices of mandible using digital panoramic radiographs. The study subject consisted of 300 panoramic radiographs of which 150 were males and 150 were females, in the age group of 21-70 years. The obtained data were statistically analysed. GI and AI showed a downward trend with age. MI showed a decline in mean values from the age of 61 years only in females. PMI showed a sudden drop after the age of 40 years. C2 and C3 categories increased with age. Male patients demonstrated significantly higher measured values for GI, AI and MI than female patients. C3 cortical appearance was predominantly seen in females. GI, AI, MI and MCI were strongly influenced by dental status. The mandibular cortical thickness was reduced in older females. Dentition had a significant effect on all indices, except PMI. This study showed that GI, AI, MI PMI and MCI are useful for identifying patients with low skeletal bone mineral densities or osteoporosis. Hence, it is advocated that oral physicians play an unique role in screening of patients for the evaluation of osteopenia.