Prediction of osteoporosis using fractal analysis on periapical and panoramic radiographs

Kim, Joo Yeon; Jung, Yun Hoa; Nah, Kyung Soo

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether fractal analysis of periapical and panoramic radiographs was useful in predicting osteoporosis risk.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
37 postmenoposal women between the age of 42 and 79 were classified as normal and osteoporosis group according to the bone mineral density of lumbar vertebrae and periapical and panoramic radiographs were taken. Fractal dimensions at periapical areas of mandibular first molars were calculated to differentiate the two groups.
RESULTS
The mean fractal dimensions of normal group on periapical and panoramic radiographs were 1.413+/-0.079, 1.517+/-0.071 each. The mean fractal dimensions of osteoporotic group on periapical and panoramic radiographs were 1.498+/-0.086, 1.388+/-0.083 each. The mean fractal dimension from peripaical radiographs of osteoporotic group was statistically significantly higher than that of normal group. The mean fractal dimension from panoramic radiographs of osteoporotic group was statistically significantly lower than that of normal group.
CONCLUSION
Fractal analysis using periapical and panoramic radiographs was useful in predicting osteoporosis.