Objective: Osteoporosis is a systemic disorder characterized by low bone mass that makes the subjects prone for fractures. It remains undiagnosed in most of the individuals until a fracture occurs. The investigations for osteoporosis are very costly and not easily available. Availability of a simple, quick, easy, inexpensive, non-invasive alternative is desirable.
Methods: The study comprised of thirty postmenopausal females. All the females were subjected to panoramic radiograph and dual energy X- ray absorptiometry (DEXA). The visual analysis was done based on the radiographic appearance of the lower border of the mandible on the right side by two observers who were blinded about DEXA results. The interpretation was repeated after thirty days by both the observers.
Results: It was found that there was statistically significant difference in the three groups of mandibular cortical index of panoramic radiograph as interpreted by the two observers (p value =0.044 and 0.04). The intra-observer reproducibility of this index has moderate agreement (Kappa value of 0.316 & 0.255) and the inter-observer agreement of this index follows fair reproducibility (kappa value of 0.384 & 0.223).
Conclusion: This study concluded that there is a significant correlation between mandibular cortical index (MCI) and bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar vertebrae as determined by DEXA. So, visual estimation of the panoramic radiograph can be used as a screening procedure for diagnosis and referral of patients for further evaluation of osteoporosis.
Impact Factor
2022: 6.012
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