Pattern of age related bone loss in mandibles

A study was carried out to analyze the pattern of the age related bone loss in the mandibular cortex and to establish normal values and the observed range of morphometric variables on microradiograms of bone sections taken from a well defined site anterior to and below the mental foramen. Specimens were obtained from 100 Danish subjects with no known systemic bone disease or severe mandibular atrophy. Microradiograms of 100-micron-thin undemineralized vertical ground cross-sections were produced. An electric point-counting system was used for the determination of 1) percentage bone mass, 2) mean cortical width (MCW), and 3) the percentage of Haversian canals with resorption surfaces. The analysis showed that cortical porosity and the percentage of Haversian canals showing resorption are unrelated to sex and increased after the age of 50. MCW and absolute bone mass (MCW x % bone mass) are greater in males than in females and show a parallel age related decrease after the age of 50. Furthermore, the age related increase in cortical thinning and porosity is dependent on the individual as well as on age. Marked individual variation confined the use of these parameters to group analysis.