Fractal and radiomorphometric analysis of mandibular bone changes in patients undergoing intravenous corticosteroid therapy.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate mandibular bone changes by comparing the fractal dimension (FD), mandibular cortical width (MCW), and panoramic mandibular index (PMI) on panoramic radiographs in patients using intravenous corticosteroids versus controls.

STUDY DESIGN

In total, 60 patients were divided into 2 groups: 30 patients receiving intravenous corticosteroid treatment and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy people as the control group. Panoramic radiographs of all patients were evaluated. FD was measured in 4 regions: the subcortical area in the condyle, the area superior to the angle of the mandible, the alveolar bone distal to the mandibular left second premolar root, and the alveolar bone mesial to the mental foramen. MCW and PMI were calculated to assess cortical thickness.

RESULTS

The FD values in the condyle, angle of the mandible, and mental foramen region were significantly lower in the corticosteroid group (P ≤ .011), but there was no significant difference in the second premolar area (P = .101). MCW values were significantly lower in the corticosteroid group (P < .001). There was no significant difference in PMI between the groups (P = .544).

CONCLUSIONS

The FD and MCW values of the patients using corticosteroids can be helpful in quantitatively and objectively evaluating osseous changes in patients receiving intravenous corticosteroids.