title: Prediction of lumbar spine bone mineral density from the mandibular cortical width in postmenopausal women.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Osteoporosis is one of the most common bone diseases that is characterized by a generalized reduction of the bone mass. Osteoporotic fractures are associated with morbidity, but can be a predictable condition if early diagnosis is made.The diagnosis is based on the World Health Organization's (WHO) T-score criteria. Panoramic images have been also used to predict low bone mineral density. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prediction of lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) from the mandibular cortical width in postmenopausal women.
  
  
  METHODS
  On the panoramic radiographic images, the mandibular cortical width (MCW) was measured by drawing a line parallel to the long axis of the mandible and another line tangential to the inferior border of mandible and a constructed line perpendicular to the tangent intersecting inferior border of mental foramen and analyzed the correlation of recorded MCW with BMD and T-score by using SPSS software and linear regression and bivariate correlation tests.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Bivariate correlation showed a significant correlation between BMD and MCW (r = 0.945) (P = 0. 000). There was also a significant correlation between T-score and MCW(r = 0.835) (P = 0. 000). To detect the accurate association between the BMD and MCW and also T-score and MCW, linear regression analyses tests showed two associations to predict the BMD and T-score from MCW with confidence interval of 95%. These associations were as follows: T-score= -7.087 + 1.497 × MCW BMD= 0.334 + 0.163 × MCW.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The MCW is a good index to help the dentists to predict the osteoporosis by panoramic radiographs and have a significant role in patient screening and early diagnosis of osteoporosis.
authors: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors: Ehsan
authors: E
authors: Hekmatin
authors: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors: Seyed Sina
authors: SS
authors: Ahmadi
authors: Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors: Masoud
authors: M
authors: Ataiekhorasgani
authors: Department of Endodonthics, Faculty of Dentistry, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors: Mahboobe
authors: M
authors: Feizianfard
authors: Resident of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors: Shahram
authors: S
authors: Jafaripozve
authors: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors: Nasim
authors: N
authors: Jafaripozve
keywords: Bone mineral density; osteoporosis; postmenopausal women