Abstract

KUMAR, M; HOLMES, H  and  STEPHEN, LXG. Screening of digital panoramic radiographs for changes in bone mineral density with advancing patient age. S. Afr. dent. j. [online]. 2018, vol.73, n.4, pp.208-211. ISSN 0375-1562.

INTRODUCTION: Osteoporosis afflicts millions of people world wide. Chronic and complex, of multifactorial aetiology and insidious progress, creating huge medical and economic burdens it may lead to innumerable sequelae. Increased life expectancies complicate the demographics. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy of digital panoramic radiographs as a triage screening tool for osteoporotic changes, using the Image J software. DESIGN AND METHODS: Evaluation of 150 digital panoramic radiographs of female patients referred for routine radiological imaging and stratified into three groups by age (A: 20-40 years, B: 41-60 years, and C: >61 years respectively). The panoramic mandibular index (PMI), mandibular cortical width (MCW) and pixel intensity (PI), were recorded for each image using the Image J software (1.48v) and assessed for correlation with increasing age and between the indices. RESULTS: Statistically significant associations were found between the indices and with patients' age. Abnormal (divergent) readings increased with advancing age. CONCLUSIONS: Routine digital panoramic radiographs can provide useful preliminary information with respect to the risk of a female developing osteoporosis. There is potential for triage screening and subsequent referral, at no additional costs. The patient's age is an important risk indicator for osteoporosis.

Keywords : Digital Panoramic radiographs; triage screening; osteoporosis; bone mineral density; radiographic indices.

        · text in English     · English ( pdf )