Aim of the study was to correlate the mandibular cortical height on panoramic dental radiographs with systemic bone mineral density evaluated by quantitative ultrasound densitometry in postmenopausal women. Methods: 62 caucasian postmenopausal women aged 49-68 years, between 2-15 years since menopause (YSM) were examined with dental panoramic radiographs (Orix-Graph scanner at 10 mA and 15 sec, 70-90 kV, using Kodak T-Mat G/RA films) measuring the cortical width (mm) at the inferior mandible at the site of the mental foramen. Bone mineral density was assesed by quantitative ultrasound densitometry QUS at the os calcis with an Achilles Insight device measuring Stiffness index and T-Score according to WHO classification. Exclusion criteria: smokers, current or past users of medication that affects bone metabolism. Results: Mandibular cortical height mean values were significantly higher in women with normal T Score ( 3,99±0,58), compared with osteoporosis T Score<-2,5 SD (3,24±0,48 mm) and osteopenia T Score -1 to -2,5 SD (3,87±0,61 mm). Mandibular cortical height had significant positive correlation with Stiffness index (r=0,36 p<0,05) and with the number of years postmenopause (r=0,29 p<0,05). In women > 10 years after menopause the correlation was better (r=0,55 p<0,05) than in women <5 years since menopause (r=0,11 p 0,01). Conclusions: Systemic bone mineral density is an important determinant of the mandibular cortical height in postmenopausal women. Panoramic dental radiography can be a useful screening tool for postmenopausal osteoporosis, especially in women more than 10 years after menopause.
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