Objective

  To compare three mandibular trabeculation evaluation methods, clinical variables, and osteoporosis as fracture predictors in women.

 Study design

  One hundred and thirty-six female dental patients (35-94 years) answered a questionnaire in 1996 and 2011. Using intra-oral radiographs from 1996, five methods were compared as fracture predictors: (1) mandibular bone structure evaluated with a visual radiographic index, (2) bone texture, (3) size and number of intertrabecular spaces calculated with Jaw-X software, (4) fracture probability calculated with a fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX), and (5) osteoporosis diagnosis based on dual-energy-X-ray absorptiometry. Differences were assessed with the Mann–Whitney test and relative risk calculated.

 Results

  Previous fracture, gluco-corticoid medication, and bone texture were significant indicators of future and total (previous plus future) fracture. Osteoporosis diagnosis, sparse trabeculation, Jaw-X, and FRAX were significant predictors of total but not future fracture.

  Conclusion

  Clinical and oral bone variables may identify individuals at greatest risk of fracture.

 Source: Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology

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