Mandibulo-osseous predictors of osteoporosis: A double-blind study on the correlation and comparison of mental index with bone mineral density in post-menopausal women

Introduction: Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease characterized by microarchitectural deterioration in bone tissue leading to fractures, and is essentially a preventable disease when detected in the early stages. Novel methods for early identification of osteoporosis can have a great impact in combating this otherwise progressive disease. Aims: The present study was conducted with the objectives of evaluating the precision of a radiomorphometric index [mental index (MI)] measured on a panoramic radiograph in early diagnosis of osteoporosis and finding its correlation with bone mineral density (BMD) measured by digital X-ray radiogrammetry method. Materials and Methods: The study consisted of 71 women who were in natural menopause. The MI was calculated by two investigators, with each investigator recording two sets of measurements. The BMD was assessed and the T-score was obtained by digital X-ray radiogrammetry method. Based on the T-score obtained, the patients were divided into three study groups of normal (n = 24), osteopenic (n = 30), and osteoporotic (n = 17). The values obtained were tabulated for statistical analysis. Results: In the present study, it was found that there was a statistically significant difference in the mean scores of MI among normal, osteopenic, and osteoporotic subjects. Normal subjects had significantly higher MI (P < 0.001) than the osteopenic subjects and, similarly, the osteopenic subjects had significantly higher MI (P < 0.001) than the osteoporotic subjects. The inter- and intra-investigator variability was found to be low. Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study, it was concluded that a simple radiomorphometric index (MI) which is relatively easier to measure on a panoramic radiograph can be an indicator of osteoporosis and may aid in early detection and treatment planning of one of the most prevalent metabolic bone diseases.