Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to bone fragility, and enhanced susceptibility to fractures. Dental panoramic images are used to predict bone mineral density.
AIM: To examine and analyze mandibular cortical thickness on orthopantomography as a representative preliminary diagnosis of osteoporosis
OBJECTIVES: To investigate influence of age and gender on Mandibular cortical index (MCI) and Panoramic mandibular index (PMI).
To assess Mandibular cortical index (MCI) and Panoramic mandibular index (PMI) in identifying risk group for osteoporosis
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study utilized 200 OPG scans, consisting of 100 males’ scans and 100 female scans obtained from archival records with the age group of 21-30yrs, 31-40yrs, 41- 50yrs, 51-60 yrs and 61-70yrs respectively. All the scans obtained were analyzed for linear measurements in DICOM software to determine the thickness of the mandibular cortical bone. Statistical methods such as analysis of variance (ANOVA) and correlation analysis were used to evaluate the relationship between age and mandibular cortical bone thickness (p>0.05)
RESULTS: The analysis of the 200 OPG 100 male group and 100 female group revealed a progressive decrease in thickness with advancing age. Statistical analysis confirmed a significant negative correlation between age and mandibular cortical bone thickness.
CONCLUSION: Mandibular cortical bone thickness can be used as an indicator of skeletal health in different age and sex groups. Further research and validation are necessary to solidify these findings and understand their clinical implication.