Application of Orthopantomography in the Analysis of Bone Mineral Density in Patients with Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Abstract

Osteogenesis imperfecta is a disorder characterized by osteopenia and bone fragility. Considering that orthopantomography is a routine diagnostic test in growing patients, it can be used to analyze bone density in these patients. The study sample consisted of 21 child patients diagnosed with OI, under medical treatment with antiresorptives and for whom orthopantomography was available, analyzed and compared with 20 healthy children. The panoramic radiographs were analyzed and the radiomorphometric indices and fractal dimension were measured after first selecting the areas of interest to be studied. The results showed that fractal dimension of the basal cortical bone was lower in the study group, and MCW was lower in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta. In addition, MCW and fractal dimension were lower with higher number of treatment cycles received. In light of the results obtained, we can conclude that panoramic radiography can be useful in analyzing changes in bone mineral density in these patients throughout the course of treatment.