Gonial and Antigonial Radiomorphometric Indices in Detecting Low Bone Mineral Density among Aged Women: A Multicentric Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND

Osteoporosis places a significant strain on the healthcare system and contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality. Digital panoramic radiographs, which are typically taken for routine dental examinations, are quite useful for spotting early low mineral density changes.

AIM: The aim of the study was to assess the diagnostic efficiency of gonial and antigonial radiographic indices in identifying low bone mineral density in aged women.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A total of 800 panoramic radiographs were assessed from the archives, and 118 radiographic images among controls and study groups were included. Radiomorphometric indicators such as gonial angle (GA), gonial index (GI), antigonial angle (AA), antigonial depth (AD), and antigonial index (AI) were studied.

RESULTS

A statistically significant higher GA, GI, AA, AD, and AI among control groups were evident compared to study groups.

CONCLUSION

In screening for early osteoporotic alterations, all indices evaluated in the present study can be used as radiographic screening methods to identify low bone mineral density among aged women.

NOVELTY: The study attempted to evaluate the GA, GI, AA, AD, and AI of the mandible in orthopantomography individually for normal and aged women. Hence, they can be used as an opportunistic screening tool.