The efficiency of dental volumetric tomography-derived radiomorphometric indices for diagnosing osteoporosis

Abstract

Objective:The aim of the present study was to assess the efficiency of dental volumetric tomography (DVT) radiomorphometric indices to detect osteoporosis in post-menopausal females, compare them with the osteopenic and normal groups and to assess the correlations of the DVT findings with the bone mineral density values measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Methods:This study consisted of 120 post-menopausal females, with age ranging from 48 to 67 years. Based on their DEXA results, they were classified into osteoporotic, osteopenic and normal groups. Dental volumetric tomographical radiomorphometric indices were measured and compared with dual energy x-ray absorptiometry parameters of the patients. Results:Dental volumetric cortical thickness (DVT-CT) displayed significant differences between the groups and decreased in osteoporotic individuals. The mean values of dental volumetric tomographic mandibular index superior (DVT-MIS) and dental volumetric tomographic mandibular index inferior (DVT-MII) for osteoporosis group was significantly lower than osteopenic and normal groups. In both normal and osteopenic patient groups, there were significant correlations between the spine t score and DVT-MIS (p<0.05). Osteoporotic patient group displayed statistically significant relationship between spine t score and DVT-CT. Conclusion:DVT-CT parameter which was found to be associated with the spine DEXA measurements, can be used to diagnose osteoporotic patients. Dental volumetric tomography can help clinicians as a useful tool to evaluate osteoporotic patients.