Analysis of condylar head density and morphology in osteoporosis and non-osteoporosis patients: an observational descriptive study

Introduction: Osteoporosis is a systemic bone disease characterized by increased bone fragility and susceptibility to fractures, decreased bone mass and changes in the bone’s microscopic structure, leading to increased porosity and decreased strength. This study aimed to evaluate the differences in the mandibular bone density and condylar head morphology between osteoporosis and non-osteoporosis patients. Methods: The study used an observational descriptive design with a cross-sectional approach. The study population using secondary data consisted of all panoramic radiography photos collected over a six-month period from July to December 2019. A total of 24 radiographs were included, comprising women with osteoporosis (age 40 to 60 years) and without osteoporosis (aged 40 to 50 years). Bone density was measured using a region of interest (ROI) of 3x3mm through histogram analysis, while condyle shape was evaluated visually. The collected data were processed with t-test results. Results: This study found that right condyle osteoporosis mean 137.51 ± 17.3, right condyle non osteoporosis 143.65 ± 21,1. Left condyle osteoporosis 133.46 ± 18,6, and left condyle non osteoporosis 143.64 ± 18. The mandibular bone density in condylar region was lower in osteoporosis patients by 6.14 pixels on the right side and 10.48 pixels on the left side. The result of the statistical analysis in all groups were p value > 0,05. However, the t-test results indicated no statistically significant differences between two groups. In terms of morphology, the oval shape was the most common in both groups. The bird beak shape was observed exclusively in the osteoporosis group, while the flat shape was more prevalent in the non-osteoporosis group. Conclusion: This study suggests that the mandibular bone density in osteoporosis patients is lower than in the non-osteoporosis group. However, this difference was not statistically significant. Additionally, changes in condylar head morphology did not correlate with osteoporosis status or reflect the observed differences in bone density.