Analysis of Bone Quality on Panoramic Radiograph in Osteoporosis Research by Fractal Dimension

Objective: To Assess the correlation between different quality analysis parameters of trabecular pattern in digital panoramic radiographies and relations with forearm bone mass density (BMD) performed by DXA. Methods: The study was developed using panoramic and peripheral bone densitometry dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) of 68 patients, 9 males and 59 females (19 - 73 years old). In the panoramic radiographs, evaluation of the trabecular bone morphology through assessment of fractal dimension (FD), connectivity (C) and total number of “bright” pixels (ET) was performed. In DXA, the exam determines the bone mineral density of the forearm to identify who has a high risk of osteoporosis. Statistics analyzed the relationship of these exams and the contribution of dental radiographs in detecting patients at risk for osteoporosis. Results: The average age of subjects was 43.85. In the analysis of trabecular pattern, a significant correlation between the FD, ET and C factors in level of 5% (Pearson correlation test) was found. Correlation tests showed no significant correlation between DF and BMD. Conclusions: The analysis showed correlations with each other, detecting alterations in the trabecular pattern. It cannot be related to BMD with FD but should be taken into account that examining the bone or trabecular alveolar process, when, for example, diagnostic analysis of pre-implant bone quality, is required.

Quality of Life and Osteoporotic Alterations in Patients with and without Low Bone Mineral Density:A Retrospective Study

Purpose:The objectives of this investigation were to compare the World Health Organization abbreviated instrument for quality of life assessment(WHOQOL-bref)scores of osteoporotic and non-osteoporotic Brazilian patients and to evaluate the correlation between mandibular cortical index(MCI)and bone densitometry(DXA)results in both groups.Methods:This research was conducted with an initial sample of 74 female participants who underwent panoramic radiography and forearm densitometry.Participants were divided into two groups:osteoporotic and non-osteoporotic patients.A quality of life assessment questionnaire was administered.The scores from the questionnaire were compared between the two groups and the correlation between DXA and MCI was analyzed.Results:Psychological and social domains in osteoporotic patients presented lower scores(12.65 and 6.00 respectively)when compared to non-osteoporotic patients(14.70 and 13.97 respectively).MCI was inversely correlated with DXA.Conclusions:According to WHOQOL-bref,osteoporotic patients may have lower quality of life scores when considering psychological and social relationships.MCI is inversely correlated with T-scores but demonstrates greater correlation when considering non-osteoporotic patients with higher T-score values.