Correlation between mandibular bone density and skeletal bone density in a Catalonian postmenopausal population

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine if the mandible (MD) experiences reductions in bone mineral density (BMD) similar to the lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN) in a postmenopausal population. A total of 137 postmenopausal women underwent 3 types of densitometric examinations: LS, FN, and MD as measured in 3 regions (MD-R1, MD-R2, and MD-R3), as well as the entire mandible (MD-Net) using a dual photon bone X-ray densitometer. Densitometry of the LS and FN were performed according to the protocol of the International Society for Clinical Densitometry. Mandibular densitometry was performed using a modification of a previous technique, placing the patient in the left lateral decubitus position, with the head supported by a 13-cm-thick cushion above the temporomandibular joint. Significant correlations were found between densitometry results for the LS and the MD, with P values of .021 at MD-R1 (ramus); .001 at MD-R2 (body); .050 at MD-R3 (symphysis), and .001 at MD-Net (total mandibular density). No correlation was found between mandibular and FN densitometry (P > .05). According to the results, for this population, it can be affirmed that the MD responds to osteoporosis in ways similar to the LS.