Digital panoramic radiography: An aid in the early detection of osteoporotic signs

Abstract

Background: Osteoporosis is a worldwide problem demanding attention in the modern world. In the last four decades, numerous research teams have reported oral radiographic findings associated with osteoporosis. The preponderance of the evidence shows that the jaws of subjects with osteoporosis show reduced bone mass and altered morphology. A number of mandibular cortical indices (MCIs) have also been developed to allow quantification of mandibular bone mass and identification of osteoporosis. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the present study was to measure various radiomorphometric indices and/or, mandibular cortical indices (MCIs) on digital panoramic radiographs (Orthopantomographs [OPGs]) of postmenopausal females; to assess the bone mineral density (BMD) of postmenopausal females using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA); and to compare the radiomorphometric indices on digital panoramic radiographs with BMD values and thereby assessing the efficacy of digital panoramic radiographs in detecting mandibular osteoporotic changes so as to screen osteoporosis. Materials and Methods: One hundred postmenopausal females were randomly selected from the outpatient department. All the patients were explained about the need for the study. Informed consent was taken, and a detailed case history was obtained. After subjecting the patients to digital panoramic radiography, the patients were taken for BMD evaluation using DEXA scans. Statistical Analysis: The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS version 14. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. ANOVA with post hoc Tukey's test, Chi-square test, Pearson correlation coefficient, and Spearman correlation coefficient were used for statistical analysis. Results: Klemetti index showed that a patient with C3 cortical appearance had a low BMD. Among the quantitative indices, mental index, panoramic mandibular index, antegonial index, and gonial index, showed significantly lower values among the osteoporotic group. Conclusion: Digital panoramic radiographs (OPGs) have a significant role in the initial screening of elderly females for early osteoporotic changes.

Keywords

• Bone mineral density
• digital panoramic radiography
• dual energy X-ray absorptiometry
• mandibular cortical indices
• osteoporosis