Panoramic radiomorphometric indices as reliable parameters in predicting osteoporosis

BACKGROUND:: The purpose was to evaluate the significance of panoramic radiomorphometric indices (mandibular cortical index [MCI], mental index [MI] and panoramic mandibular index [PMI]) as useful tools for identifying osteoporosis. METHODS:: One hundred healthy women aged ≥ 30 years were included. Digital panoramic images and bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spines were recorded. Radiomorphometric indices (MCI, MI and PMI) were measured and categorized. RESULTS:: Interobserver agreements were kappa = 0.922 for the MCI and alpha = 0.902 and 0.702 for the PMI and MI, respectively. The indices MI, PMI and BMD showed a statistically significant positive correlation with the t score (r = 0.47, 0.36 and 0.96, respectively). The MI showed a statistically significant positive correlation with the PMI (r = 0.72). Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of the MI at a cutoff point of 4.5 mm were 76.9%, 54.1% and 63%, respectively, whereas for the MCI were 66.7%, 75.4% and 72%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS:: Panoramic indices (MI, PMI and MCI) were positively correlated with the t score and BMD of the lumbar spines. The MCI was found to be the most reproducible index. © 2013 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.