An Institution-Based Cross-Sectional Study of the Correlation between Panoramic Mandibular Index, Bone Mineral Density, and Serum Calcium in Pre and Post-Menopausal Women

Background: Osteoporotic changes in post-menopausal women have adversely affected their quality of life. The standard method for the assessment of bone mineral density (BMD) is dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The present study aims at determining the relationship between BMD, panoramic mandibular index (PMI), and serum calcium for the diagnosis of osteoporosis in post-menopausal females. Objectives: 1. To correlate [BMD] with [PMI]. 2. To correlate serum calcium with PMI and BMD in pre- and post-menopausal women. Methods: 45 females (age range 35-65 years) divided equally into three groups (Pre, Circum, and post-menopausal) visiting OPD of Dental College in central India were selected for the study. PMI was evaluated using software tools in Panoramic radiographs. Ultrasound bone sonometer CM 200 light was used to measure the BMD. Serum calcium was taken for each patient. Results: Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 19 using the ANOVA test and Pearson's correlation for inter-group comparison, and Tukey's post hoc analysis for intra-group comparison. Significance value is P <= 0.05. Conclusion: The present study showed a weak correlation between BMD, PMI, and serum calcium suggesting that these cannot be used as definitive markers for diagnosis of osteoporosis in post-menopausal women.