Relationship between findings of mandibular cortical bone in inferior border and bone mineral densities of lumbar vertebrae in postmenopausal women.

It is important to assess the general bone condition in dental implant treatment. The relationships between the bone mineral densities (BMDs) of lumbar vertebrae and mandibular cortical bone condition in the inferior border using multi-slice computed tomography (CT) were assessed in postmenopausal women. If a strong correlation between them is obtained, the mandibular cortical bone condition may be useful to evaluate the general bone condition. Twenty-two postmenopausal women were enrolled in this investigation. The maximum CT value and width of the mandibular cortical bone (MCW-MSCT) were measured, and the mandibular cortical bone index (MCI-MSCT) was classified using multi-slice CT. BMDs of lumbar vertebrae were measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and then the percentage of the young adult mean (YAM) was analyzed. The correlations were investigated between the mandibular cortical bone condition and values of lumbar vertebrae. Weak correlations were observed between MCW-MSCT and the percentage of YAM. Also, significant differences in the percentage of YAM were noted between types of MCI-MSCT. The mandibular cortical bone index (MCI-MSCT) in the inferior border using multi-slice CT may be applicable to evaluate the influence of the general bone condition.