Radiomorphometric Indices Research Articles

CBCT Evaluation of the Mandibular Bone Quality in Relation to Skeletal Status After Treatment with Strontium Renelate in Diabetic Patients

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of the cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) - based mandibular indices and the CBCT mandibular bone density values and to determine whether they correlate with bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine (L1 - L4) and proximal left femur in patients with osteoporosis and diabetes mellitus, which were taken a treatment with strontium ranelate over a period of 6 months. The study included 20 osteoporosis patients and 40 diabetic patients (16 patients - type 1 diabetes mellitus and 24 patients - type 2 diabetes mellitus). In CBCT images, the radiomorphometric indices were measured in the right and left mandibles. The relationship between the CBCT measurements of the mandible and skeletal BMD was assessed. The present study showed that mandibular bone quality is closely correlated with the skeletal status of the patients with osteoporosis and diabetes mellitus which were in treatment with strontium ranelate for bone improving. Keywords: cone beam computed tomography; dual energy X-ray absorptiometry; mandible; diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis; strontium ranelate

The accuracy of panoramic radiography as a screening of bone mineral density in women: a systematic review.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy studies was conducted to assess if the radiomorphometric indexes observed in panoramic radiographies could estimate reduced bone mineral density (BMD) similarly to standard technique the bone densitometry (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry) in females older than 30 years. A systematic search in four databases was conducted until January 2019. Two evaluators performed data extraction and evaluation of risk of bias independently, and agreement was achieved by consensus. Data were synthesized on a subgroup meta-analysis with a random effect model and the hierarchical summary receiver-operating characteristic curve was used to calculate pooled estimates of studies. Thirty three studies were included and 12 different radiomorphometric indexes identified, including Mandibular Cortical Index (MCI). The final number of cases pooled for the analysis was 5266 females.The MCI for BMD loss (osteopenia) presented values of sensitivity 0.81 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.78-0.84] and specificity 0.48 (95% CI, 0.45-0.50), while for osteoporosis sensitivity 0.35 (95% CI, 0.30-0.40) and specificity 0.88 (95% CI, 0.86-0.90). The mandibular cortical width presented values of sensitivity 0.58 (95% CI, 0.40-0.73), specificity 0.73 (95% CI, 0.60-0.83) for osteopenia, while for osteoporosis sensitivity 0.57 (95% CI, 0.36-0.76) and specificity 0.83 (95% CI, 0.68-0.92). Due to the high sensitivity, MCI presented a potential value as a screening tool for initial BMD loss (osteopenia), once tests presenting high sensitivity are described as rarely missing subjects with the disease. To the other hand, MCI to osteoporosis and Mandibular Cortical Width for both conditions are not recommended because presented specificity higher than sensitivity. The MCI can be recommended as a feasible tool to screen initial BMD loss (osteopenia) in females above 30 years old using panoramic radiography exams.

Detecting Patients with Low Bone Mineral Density during Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

Population aging is a worldwide phenomenon that is often explained by improvements in living conditions. Common diseases in the older age group are investigated to improve their prevention and treatment. Osteoporosis, a silent disease characterized by the progressive decrease of bone mineral density, resulting in an increased risk of fractures, is one of the most common diseases that affect patients over 60 years of age. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the gold standard test for the diagnosis of low bone mineral density. However, this test has a high cost and is not available to all populations. Previous studies have found that dental imaging can be used to identify low bone mineral density. Dental imaging examinations have lower costs and are more routine than DXA. Qualitative and quantitative radiomorphometric indices as well as mathematical methods are used to identify patients with low bone mineral density through dental imaging exams. In addition, the morphology of the mandibular bone cortex is the most studied panoramic radiography exam. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a three-dimensional examination that produces high-quality images without distortion and magnification. This examination is widely used in dentistry and can be used for the evaluation of bone mineral density. However, CBCT is a low-cost examination, compared to DXA.

Correlation of Radiomorphometric Indices of the Mandible and Biochemical Parameters in Patients with Secondary Hyperparathyroidism Due to Chronic Kidney Disease.

Objective The aim was to correlate radiomorphometric indices and biochemical analyses as an auxiliary method in bone evaluation in male and female patients with chronic kidney disease–mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) and controls. Materials and Methods Nine radiomorphometric indices and four biochemical parameters were obtained: mental index (MI), height at the mental foramen, total mandibular height (THM), panoramic mandibular index (PMI), original height of the mandible, alveolar bone resorption, distance from the mental foramen to the alveolar bone crest (MF-ABC), mandibular cortical index (MCI), trabecular bone pattern, parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and Ca × P product (Ca × P). Statistical Analysis The Mann–Whitney U -test, chi-squared test, and Spearman’s correlation were applied at a significance level of 95%. Results There was a moderate negative and significant correlation between MI, PMI, and PTH in female patients with CKD-MBD as well as between THM, MF-ABC, and Ca × P. The MCI and trabecular bone pattern indicated altered bone quality in male patients. Conclusions The radiomorphometric evaluation was an auxiliary, noninvasive method to detect possible alterations in the cortex and mandibular bone trabeculation in male and female patients with CKD-MBD.

Does tooth loss in the mandibular posterior region have an effect on the mental index and panoramic mandibular index?

Mental index (MI) and panoramic mandibular index (PMI) are important radiomorphometric indices used for assessing the quality of the mandibular bone. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible effect of mandibular posterior tooth/teeth loss in young adults on the MI and PMI (superior panoramic mandibular index: PMI-s, and inferior panoramic mandibular index: PMI-i). Digital panoramic radiographs belonging to 253 patients aged between 18-35 years old were examined. According to the inclusion criteria of the study, a patient and control group was formed. The patient group (n=46) included individuals having at least one extracted tooth in the posterior region of the mandible, and the control group (n=45) included full dentate patients. The MI and PMI (PMI-i and PMI-s) were calculated bilaterally for all of the individuals. No significant difference was found between the MI, PMI-i and PMI-s indices of the patient group and the control group among both genders. The mandibular premolar and/or molar teeth loss in young adults did not lead to any change in the MI, PMI-i and PMI-s indices among both genders.

Assessment of fractal dimension and panoramic radiomorphometric indices in women with celiac disease.

To assess the panoramic radiomorphometric indices and fractal dimension in women with celiac disease. The sample consisted of 20 women with celiac disease and 20 healthy women (control group). The mandibular cortical index classification, panoramic mandibular index, mental index, and fractal dimension were evaluated on panoramic radiographs. One-way ANOVA with post hoc Tukey test was used for comparison of the linear measurements and fractal dimension between the celiac and control groups, adopting a significance level of 5% RESULTS: There was no significant difference in panoramic radiomorphometric indices or fractal dimension between the celiac and control groups. Panoramic radiomorphometric indices and fractal dimension revealed no significant bone changes in women with celiac disease.

Evaluation of osseous changes in dental panoramic radiography of thalassemia patients using mandibular indexes and fractal size analysis.

This study aimed to evaluate the radiomorphometric indexes and fractal dimension (FD) on dental panoramic radiography (DPR) of Thalassemia Major (TM) patients. In 59 TM patients and in 59 healthy control subjects, mandibular cortical index (MCI), mandibular cortical width (MCW), panoramic mandibular index (PMI), and FD of four different regions (FD1-4) were evaluated and compared using DPRs. The distribution of MCI in TM patients was similar to control subjects (p > 0.05). The mean MCW was significantly lower in TM patients (p = 0.001). There was no significant difference in PMI between TM patients and control subjects. The mean of FD measured in the supracortical area above the angle of mandible (FD2), in the anterior to the mental foramen (FD4) and mean FD of four different regions was significantly lower in TM patients (p = 0.003, p = 0.001, and p = 0.014, respectively). The radiomorphometric indices and fractal dimensions evaluated in the panoramic radiograph are capable of identifying thalassemia patients' jaw bone, and the results of DPR scanning can be used to refer these patients to appropriate medical investigation.

Assessment of alveolar bone mass using radio morphometric indices in urban and rural postmenopausal women and their correlation with serum vitamin D3 level.

The number of women with osteoporosis i.e. with reduced bone mass and disruption of bone architecture, is increasing in India due to severe deficiency of Vitamin D. It has been reported throughout the country in urban and rural post-menopausal women. Vitamin D synthesis is affected by geographical location, atmospheric pollution, clothing, melanin pigmentation and sunlight exposure. Moreover, ageing is also associated with decreased vitamin D synthesis. Vitamin D deficiency is the most underdiagnosed medical condition in postmenopausal woman. Therefore, this study was planned to estimate and to evaluate alveolar bone mass using radio morphometric indices in postmenopausal women and its correlation with serum vitamin D3. We conducted a study comprising of a study group of 60 post-menopausal women, divided into 2 sub-groups, each group comprising of 30 individuals, depending on their occupation and domicile. Blood samples were taken to evaluate serum vitamin D3 level. Also, panoramic radiographs of all the study subjects were recorded for evaluation of 3 radio morphometric indices viz. mandibular cortical index (MCI), mental index (MI), and panoramic mandibular index (PMI). Statistical analysis revealed higher significant values in rural than in urban postmenopausal woman. A high overall prevalence (90%) of vitamin D deficiency was also observed in the study subjects.

Mandibular radiomorphometric assessment of bone mineral density in survivors of pediatric hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation

OBJECTIVE:Hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) childhood survivors of hematologic malignancies are prone to develop late osteopenia and osteoporosis. The purpose of this retrospective study was to quantitatively and qualitatively assess bone mineral density (BMD) in HSCT childhood survivors and to compare the effectiveness of both qualitative and quantitative assessment methods.METHODS:DESIGN BMD assessment using panoramic radiographs of childhood HSCT survivors aged 3.69-18.88 years using two radiomorphometric indexes. Case-control double-blinded comparison of panoramic radiographic images from childhood HSCT survivors and age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Quantitative assessment was performed by measuring the cortical bone width bilaterally at the mental foramen level. Qualitative assessment was performed using the mandibular cortical index bilaterally on all panoramic images.RESULTS:Radiographs were taken 6.59-83.95 months after bone marrow transplantation [median±SD=25.92±24.9 months]. Fifty-two panoramic radiographic images were analyzed: 21 from HSCT survivors and 31 from healthy controls aged 3.69-25.1 years [mean±SD=11.89±5.28 years]. The mandibular cortical bone width was 17% smaller in childhood HSCT survivors than in healthy controls (case group: 2.420, control group: 3.307; p=0.00617). Qualitative analysis revealed an increased frequency of severe mandibular cortical erosion in childhood HSCT survivors, although no significant difference was observed (case group: 1.540, control group: 1.490; p=0.32). The interobserver agreement was 85% (Kappa index).CONCLUSIONS:HSCT childhood survivors exhibit quantitative and qualitative mandibular bone impairments. Further studies are needed to establish an association between mandibular cortical bone impairment and osteoporosis.

Mandibular radiomorphometry using cone beam computed tomography for predicting osteoporosis in postmenopausal women

Purpose: This study evaluated the potential use of the computed tomography indices (CTI) on cone beam CT (CBCT) images for an assessment of the bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal osteoporotic women. Materials and Methods: Ninety postmenopausal women were enrolled as the subjects. The BMD of the lumbar vertebrae, femur and forearm were calculated by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) using a DXA scanner. The CBCT images were obtained from the bilateral mental foramen region using a Kodak TM 9500 Cone Beam 3D Dental CT system. The axial, sagittal, and coronal images were reconstructed from the block images using Carestream TM software. The radiomorphometric indices were computed tomography mandibular index superior (CTI(S)), computed tomography mandibular index inferior (CTI(I)), and computed tomography cortical index (CTCI), and computed tomography mental index (CTMI: inferior cortical width). The relationship between the CT measurements and BMDs were assessed and the intra-observer agreement was determined. Results: The results of CBCT indices showed a significant difference among the three studied groups for CTI scores. The mean values of CTMI and CTCI showed higher values in control than in osteopenic and osteoporotic groups and the differences were highly significant (p < 0.001) among the three studied groups. The current study revealed that, mandibular indices on CBCT may help in predicting and detecting osteoporosis.

Evaluation of radiomorphometric indices and bone findings on panoramic images in patients with scleroderma

The aim of this study was to make radiomorphometric measurements on panoramic images and evaluate the radiologic findings of bones and teeth in patients with scleroderma. Panoramic images of 49 patients with scleroderma and 51 healthy controls were assessed. Mandibular radiomorphometric indices, including mandibular cortical index (MCI), mental index (MI), panoramic mandibular index (PMI), gonial index (GI), and antegonial index (AI), were determined. Furthermore, mandibular osteolysis, changes of periodontal ligament (PDL) space and changes in the lamina dura were recorded for the scleroderma group. Statistically significant differences were found for MCI (P = .003), MI (P = .001), and PMI (P < .001) between the scleroderma and control groups, but not for GI or AI (P > .05). Widening of the PDL space (79.6%), thickening of the lamina dura (44.9%), limited mouth opening (71.4%), and osseous resorption of the mandible (8%) were detected in the scleroderma group. The radiomorphometric indices determined in the present study can be used on panoramic images to identify the existence of a porous structure in the mandibular cortical bone in patients with scleroderma. The most common prevalent oral radiographic manifestations of scleroderma were widening of the PDL space and of the lamina dura.

Correlation between index panoramic radiomorfometric and primary stability of implants

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the correlation between panoramic radiomorphometric index of bone density, stability quotient and the insertion torque of the implant. Methods: A total of 97 implants were analyzed. Panoramic radiographs calculated the Panoramic Mandibular Index and the Mental Index, in addition to the evaluation of the Mandibular Cortical Index. The insertion torque and the stability quotient of the implant were recorded during the surgical moment. The correlation analysis between the variables described above was performed using the Spearman test, at a significance level of 5%. Results: Significant correlations were found between age and mandibular cortical index (p = 0.000 and r = 0.429), insertion torque and age (p = 0.011 and r = 0.263), stability quotient of the implant in the Vestibulo-Lingual direction and The mesio-distal direction (p = 0.000 and r = 0.582), mandibular and mental panoramic index (p = 0.000 and r = 0.809), mandibular and mental cortical index (p = 0.005 and r = -0.288) and mandibular cortical index Mandibular panoramic view (p = 0.000 and r = -0.366). All other correlations were not significant (p &lt;0.05). Conclusion: The results of this work suggest that the panoramic radiomorphometric indices may contribute to the pre-diagnosis of the primary stability of dental implants.

Relation of Gonial Angle Index to Osteoporosis and Age Using CBCT in Female Subjects

background: osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease that affects women more than men, it is characterized by generalizes reduction of bone mineral density (BMD) leaving a fragile weak bone that is liable to fracture, gonial angle index (GAI) is one of the radio-morphometric indices, it has been controversial whether it is related to bone mineral density or ageing or none of them. The aim of study is to evaluate the role of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) as a screening tool for diagnosis of osteoporosis and age effect in females using gonial angle index. Material and method: 60 females were divided into 3 groups according to age and (BMD) status into: Group1 (non-osteoporosis 20-30 years), Group2 (non-osteoporosis 50years and above), and Group3 (osteoporosis 50years and above), each patient had a CBCT scan, and gonial angle index was measured compared among groups. Results: Gonial angle index showed a significant difference between Group1 and Group2 at p < 0.05, while it showed no significant difference between Group2 and Group3 at p > 0.05. Conclusion: Gonial angle index is significantly affected by age factor while it was not affected by osteoporosis, so it cannot be used as a parameter that can predict bone mineral density status patients

Comparison of fractal dimension analysis and panoramic-based radiomorphometric indices in the assessment of mandibular bone changes in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus

This study compared the fractal dimension (FD) and radiomorphometric indices in the assessment of mandibular bone of patients with type 1 (T1 DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2 DM). Panoramic radiographs of 104 patients were evaluated to calculate FD, mandibular cortical width (MCW), panoramic mandibular index (PMI), and mandibular cortical index (MCI) in the mandible. No statistically significant differences were found in FD when T1 DM and T2 DM groups were compared with controls (P ≥ .168). Patients with T1 DM had significantly lower MCW (P < .001) and PMI (P = .030) compared with controls. Patients with T2 DM had no significant differences in MCW (P = .228) or PMI (P = .137) compared with controls. No significant differences were observed between patients with T1 DM and those with T2 DM for FD, MCW, and PMI (P > .05). In the T1 DM and T2 DM groups, there was a significant correlation between MCW and FD (P ≤ .011). No correlation was observed between FD and PMI in either the T1 DM group or the T2 DM group (P ≥ .142). No significant differences in MCI were observed between the DM groups and controls (P = .740) or between the T1 DM and T2 DM groups (P = 1.000). The cortical and trabecular bone architectures of patients with T1 DM and T2 DM were not different. Patients with T1 DM had lower cortical measurements compared with controls.

Dental Panoramic Radiographic Indices as a Predictor of Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Saudi Women.

BackgroundMany oral presentations of osteoporosis-a bone metabolic disease-were recorded. Thus, we aimed to assess panoramic radiomorphometric indices with bone mineral density (BMD) values among Saudi postmenopausal women and its importance in the prediction of osteoporosis.MethodsA total of 431 Saudi women were enrolled in this study. Panoramic radiographs were obtained at the time of BMD measurement. Subjects were fatherly classified into; normal BMD, osteopenia, and osteoporosis groups. Serum follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25[OH]D) and intact-parathyroid hormone were measured. Moreover, serum creatinine, calcium, and phosphate, together with serum osteocalcin (s-OC), procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide (s-PINP) and cross-linked C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen (s-CTX) were measured. Receiver-operator curve (ROC) curve analysis for use of mandibular cortical width (MCW), panoramic mandibular index (PMI), and maxillary-mandibular ratio (M/M ratio) to differentiate women with osteoporosis or osteopenia from normal subjects was calculated. Cut off values of 4.6 at T score <−1 and 4.1 at T score ≤−2.5 were used.ResultsBody mass index is significantly low in the osteoporotic group. There is no significant difference in serum levels of LH, E2, calcium, phosphate, and 25(OH)D between the studied groups. Moreover, s-OC, C-terminal propeptide of procollagen type I, s-PINP, s-CTX, and urinary-CTX are significantly higher in osteoporosis than normal and osteopenia groups. ROC curve analysis revealed that MCW and PMI showed significant data while M/M ratio is non-significant.ConclusionsIt could be concluded that MCW as an important panoramic radiographic parameter can be used for prediction and diagnosis of osteoporosis in postmenopausal Saudi women with low BMD.

Mandibular Inferior Cortex Erosion on Dental Panoramic Radiograph as a Sign of Low Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women.

Objective To examine the role of the panoramic mandibular radiograph in the diagnosis of low bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women. Methods A cross-sectional study including volunteer women aged over 40 years in amenorrhea due to ovarian failure for at least 12 months, who were cared for at the climacteric outpatient clinic of a university hospital in the city of Cuiabá, in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. The panoramic radiographs were evaluated using a specific software. Two aspects were analyzed in the mandibular panoramic radiograph: a qualitative aspect regarding the shape of the mandibular cortical bone, and a quantitative aspect regarding the width of the mandibular cortical bone. The morphology of the mandibular cortical bone in the digital panoramic radiograph was determined bilaterally by the observation of the bone structure between the mental foramen and the base of the jaw. The mandibular cortical bone was categorized into three groups. The mental index (MI) was used to evaluate the thickness of the mandibular cortical bone through a perpendicular line drawn from the base of the mandible at the height of the center of the mental foramen, with another line drawn tangent to the inferior border of the mandible, and a third line parallel to the line at the superior border of the mandible. The MI data are expressed in millimeters, with a normal value of 3.0 mm. The densities of the lumbar spine and femur, expressed in g/cm2, were categorized as normal, osteopenia or osteoporosis. Results The agreement index between the MI and the BMD of the lumbar spine was good (Kappa = 0.718), but the same index between the MI and the BMD of the femoral neck was poor (Kappa = 0.443). An excellent agreement occurred when the mandibular cortical index (MCI) was compared with the BMD of the lumbar spine (Kappa = 0.912). The agreement between MCI and the BMD in the femur was moderated (Kappa = 0.579). Conclusion The radiomorphometric indices evaluated in the mandibular panoramic radiograph are capable of identifying postmenopausal women with low mineral density in the mandible, and the results can be used to refer these women to appropriate medical investigation and/or treatment.

Capability of CBCT to identify patients with low bone mineral density: a systematic review.

The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature about the capability of CBCT images to identify individuals with low bone mineral density (BMD). As the literature is scarce regarding this topic, the purpose of this systematic review is also to guide future research in this area. A detailed search was performed in five databases without restrictions of time or languages. Additionally, a grey literature search was conducted. The Quality Assessment Tool for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 was applied to evaluate the methodological design of selected studies. With the inclusion of only six studies, the evidence is limited to endorse the use of CBCT assertively as a diagnostic tool for low BMD. All of the three studies that analyzed radiomorphometric indices found that the linear measurements of the mandibular inferior cortex were lower in osteoporotic individuals. CBCT-derived radiographic density vertebral and mandibular measurements were also capable for differentiating individuals with osteoporosis from individuals with normal BMD. The analysis of the cervical vertebrae showed high accuracy measurements. This systematic review indicates a scarcity of studies regarding the potential of CBCT for screening individuals with low BMD. However, the studies indicate that radiomorphometric indices and CBCT-derived radiographic density should be promising tools for differentiating individuals with osteoporosis from individuals with normal BMD.

ASSESSMENT OF RADIOMORPHOMETRIC INDICES ON DIGITAL PANORAMIC AND CONE BEAM COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC IMAGES IN OSTEOPOROTIC EGYPTIAN FEMALES.

15May 2017 ASSESSMENT OF RADIOMORPHOMETRIC INDICES ON DIGITAL PANORAMIC AND CONE BEAM COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC IMAGES IN OSTEOPOROTIC EGYPTIAN FEMALES. Sarah M. Kenawy , Dina M. El Beshlawy and Mushira M. Dahaba Assistant Lecturer, Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt. Associate Professor, Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt Professor, Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt

Diagnostic performance of fractal dimension and radiomorphometric indices from digital panoramic radiographs for screening low bone mineral density

A number of panoramic radiographic measurements have been associated with osteoporotic alterations. However, little is known about the differences in sensitivity and specificity among these measurements for screening low bone mineral density (BMD). Aim: To correlate and compare precision, sensitivity and specificity of panoramic radiomorphometric indices and fractal dimension (FD) for screening low BMD (i.e. osteopenia and osteoporosis). Methods: Sixty-eight female patients (42.78±15.59 years) were included in this study. Body mass index (BMI), mandibular cortical index (MCI), mandibular cortical width (MCW), FD and connectivity (C) were assessed. Low BMD was diagnosed by peripheral dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (p-DXA). Non-parametric correlations were assessed among all variables. In addition, sensitivity and specificity of MCI, MCW and FD were estimated for screening low BMD. Results: Significant correlation was found between FD and BMI (p=0.013; r=0.269). In addition, FD was the most sensitive method for screening low BMD (70.8%, p=0.001). FD and MCI presented a significant and relatively high sensitivity, whereas MCW presented a high specificity for screening low systemic BMD Conclusions: Among the analyzed methods, FD and MCI offer a significant and relatively high sensitivity, whereas MCW offers a high specificity for screening low BMD.

Radiographic signs of bone mineral density in panoramic radiographs from pre and postmenopausal patients.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of panoramic radiographs (PR) and their radiomorphometric indices as an auxiliary method for the diagnosis of osteoporosis. Material and Methods: Twenty five women were selected, who had been prescribed PR for different purposes. The PR were analysed according to the MCI, which evaluates the mandibular cortex below the mental foramen, and then divided into two groups: normal and bone mineral loss. Bone densitometry scans were obtained (DXA) from the lumbar spine and neck of the femur/whole femur, which were used as the gold standard for comparison against the MCI. Kappa test (p&lt;0.05) was used to determine the association between the MCI and bone densitometry readings. Results: Regarding the DXA, 7 patients were normal at the lumbar spine or femur, 24 subjects showed osteopenia at the lumbar spine or femur and 9 subjects had osteoporosis at the lumbar spine or femur. Regarding the association between DXA and MCI, 18 subjects showed some degree of bone loss at the spine detected by both DXA and the Klemetti index. Conclusions: PR may be useful to assess the risk of such diseases being present.