Radiographic Assessment of Mandibular Bone Trabeculae Using Fractal Dimension Analysis For Optimizing Treatment Planning, A Cross-sectional Analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61172/z0x68595Keywords:
fractal dimension, trabecular bone, mandible, panoramic, assessment, treatment planningAbstract
Background
Early detection of mandibular bone changes is critical for preventing complications during dental surgeries. Radiographic assessment of mandibular trabeculae using visual index assessment and fractal dimension (FD) analysis represents a significant advancement in dental diagnostics. These approaches enhance the identification of individuals at risk of low bone mass and facilitate the monitoring of bone changes, thereby optimizing treatment planning.
Objective
This study aimed to visually assess changes in the trabecular pattern of the mandible on digital panoramic images and compare these changes with fractal dimension analysis to support optimal treatment planning.
Methods
This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Oral Diagnostic Sciences, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano. Two regions of interest (ROIs)—between the interdental region of the second premolar and first molar—were analyzed on both sides of the mandible using dedicated software for visual and FD assessment. Data on age, sex, trabecular pattern type, and FD values were recorded. Statistical analyses, including Chi-square, independent t-test, and ANOVA, were performed to assess associations among variables.
Results
A total of 412 digital panoramic images were analyzed, comprising 219 (53.2%) males and 193 (46.8%) females, with a mean age (SD) of 35.3 (11.9) years. Sparse trabecular patterns were more prevalent among females (56.0% right; 50.3% left), while significantly higher FD values were observed in males (p = 0.02 right; p = 0.006 left). Both visual assessment and FD analysis identified sparse trabecular patterns on the right (51.7%, 51.9%) and left (44.2%, 48.3%) sides. Agreement between methods was moderate on the right and fair on the left side of the mandible (Kappa = 0.47 and 0.36, respectively).
Conclusion
Both visual index and FD assessment methods effectively identified sparse trabecular patterns, though neither alone is entirely sufficient. A combined approach yields more reliable data for improved treatment planning.
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