Correlation of the mandibular inferior cortical index and panoramic mandibular index on digital panoramic radiographs with total serum calcium and maximum hand-grip strength in the elderly – A prospective study

Abstract

Introduction: Panoramic radiograph classification can be used in general dental practice to identify the suspected risk of osteoporosis. Objective: The study aimed to compare the values of mandibular inferior cortex (MIC) classification and panoramic mandibular index (PMI) in the digital panoramic radiographs of elderly males and females to investigate whether there was a relationship between the indices and total serum calcium (TSC) and maximum hand-grip strength. Methods: Forty healthy elderly males and females were included in the study. The PMI and MIC were measured using a digital panoramic machine. Their TSC was evaluated, and the maximum hand-grip strength was recorded using a dynamometer. The correlation of the indices with TSC was analyzed to evaluate osteoporotic changes in the mandible. Results: The hand-grip strength was significantly higher in males than in females. The class 2 MIC was significantly higher compared to that in class 1 and class 3. The kappa value of the intraobserver agreement was almost perfect. The mean rank of MIC classification of females was significantly higher than that of males. The correlation among the MIC, PMI, and TSC was statistically significant. Conclusion: The present study showed that the MIC classification might be a better indicator/predictor for detecting early osteoporotic changes in older women.