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Validation of oblique line contrast (W-index) for osteoporosis risk screening in panoramic radiographs using peripheral dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry

General Dentistry +

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March 13, 2025

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March 13, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

The W-index (WI), a tool using panoramic radiographs, can help screen for osteoporosis. It effectively differentiates patients with normal bone mineral density from those with osteoporosis.

Area Of Science

  • Dentistry
  • Radiology
  • Osteoporosis Research

Background

  • Osteoporosis poses a significant public health challenge, necessitating accessible screening methods.
  • Panoramic radiography is a common dental imaging technique, offering potential for integrated health screenings.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To validate the W-index (WI) derived from panoramic radiographs as a screening tool for osteoporosis risk.
  • To correlate W-index measurements with peripheral dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (pDXA) T-scores.

Main Methods

  • A total of 333 patients with both panoramic radiographs and pDXA results were analyzed.
  • The W-index was calculated based on oblique line contrast in the mandibular ramus.
  • Spearman correlation and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare WI and pDXA T-scores across bone mineral density groups (normal, osteopenia, osteoporosis).

Main Results

  • A significant but negligible correlation was observed between the W-index and pDXA results.
  • The W-index showed statistically significant differences between normal bone mineral density (BMD) and osteoporosis groups (P=0.007).
  • Significant differences were also found between osteopenia and osteoporosis groups (P=0.010), but not between normal BMD and osteopenia groups (P=0.598).

Conclusions

  • The W-index can effectively differentiate patients with osteoporosis from those with normal BMD or osteopenia.
  • The W-index presents a convenient and accessible method for screening low bone mineral density using existing panoramic radiographs.

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