Mandibular cortical indices and their relation to gender and age in the cone-beam computed tomography

The purpose of this study is to evaluate normal ranges of cortical bone Hounsfield units indices through cone beam CT images, and to investigate their relationships with age and sex.

700 adult human cone beam CT images were evaluated retrospectively, and divided into 4 age groups. Six different cortical bone Hounsfield unit measurements were applied bilaterally, where gender and age were recorded. Collected data were subjected to statistical analysis and ANOVA tests were used for various comparisons.

The cortical bone measurements between female and male patients were significantly different (p<0.05). Cortical bone thickness indices showed greater values in male patients compare to female patients (p<0.05). Quantitative mandibular indices were significantly lower in first age group (18-30 years) than other three older age groups (p<0.01).

The results of this study seems to propose a persistent alteration in the mandibular cortical bone with age and that this influced by sex. Further studies with larger patient groups are needed to clarify and understand these mandibular indices.