Image analysis for correlation between dental panoramic and MicroCT to measure bone density

Bone Mineral Density (BMD) is used to identify the osteoporosis that is normally, quantitatively measured using Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA). Though since the total number of DXA in Indonesia is still very limited, there is urgent need to find alternative method for early detection of osteoporosis[1]. Dental panoramic radiograph, allegedy, has the potential to detect early sign of osteoporosis, and the purpose of this research is to prove that allegation[2]. Four samples of rib from cow used to substitute the jaw that clinically would be the object of evaluation. The images from microCT scan are used as `gold standard´ of bone density, then panoramic images are processed using filtering and segmentation process so the images can be analysed to measure the bone density. The bone density results from both microCT and radiography panoramic images are compared to determine the potential of dental panoramic radiograph. The result of this research is dental panoramic radiograph has the potential to detect early sign of osteoporosis, though to be used for clinical purpose further research is still needed.