A pilot study of panoramic film density at selected sites in the mandible to predict osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is the most common metabolic disease and presents a major public health problem among the elderly. This retrospective pilot study was designed to determine the strength of association of spinal bone density and the density of selected mandibular sites as determined from panoramic radiographs. Panoramic films of known low bone density and high bone density women between the ages of 50 and 75 were evaluated. These films were randomized and then converted to digital images for density analysis. Significant differences were noted between the groups at the 95th percentile. Further study is needed to ascertain the value of panoramic radiology as an adjunct diagnostic tool in the screening of patients thought to be at high risk of developing osteoporosis.