[Estimation of mandibular bone status and lumbar bone mineral density in postmenopausal women]

Osteoporosis is a serious health problem among postmenopausal women. Many clinical studies have shown a correlation between low bone mineral density (BMD) parameters of spinal column, hip and bone status of mandible.

The aim of the study was to compare the status of mandibular bone and the lumbar part of the spine in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, osteopenia and normal BMD.

47 postmenopausal women (mean age 54.80 +/- 3.65 years) were included into the study. Densitometry (DXA) of the lumbar part of the spinal column was performed in all patients. The results of densitometry helped to differentiate the patients into 3 groups: those with osteoporosis (n=10) or osteopenia (n=20) and those with normal BMD (n=17). Panoramic radiographs of the mandible were taken of all the patients. Obtained results were analyzed stastically.

No correlations were found between the panoramic mandibular index (PMI) and mandibular ratio (MR) and vertebral (lumbar) bone loss in postmenopausal women. There was a positive correlation between the distance from the inferior margin of the mental foramen to the inferior mandibular cortex and the degree of lumbar BMD deficiency.

Our study shows that PMI and MR are not adequate radiological marker of vertebral bone loss in postmenopausal women. However, measurements of the distance between the inferior margin of the mental foramen and the inferior mandibular cortex did correlate with the degree of lumbar BMD deficiency. This parameter can be useful in the estimation of osteoporosis risk.