Microradiographic and histomorphometric indices of mandibles for diagnosis of osteopenia.

Mandibular autopsy specimens of 100 Danish subjects without known systemic diseases were obtained. Microradiograms of 100-micrometer-thick undemineralized vertical buccolingual grounds cross-sections and these sections, stained with basic fuchsin, were used. Microradiographic and histologic readings of bone turnover foci on Haversian canal and endosteal-trabecular surfaces were compared and combined. The analyses show the following. 1) number/area Haversian canals with bone formation and resorption foci and total of Haversian canals are reproducible and representative measures for bone turnover, while estimation of % bone turnover surfaces on periosteal and endosteal-trabecular surfaces in biopsies of mandibles has no diagnostic value. 2) Percentage of bone mass and mean cortical width in standard locality indicate the level in group of mandibles. 3) the cortical variables of bone turnover are sex independent; number/area Haversian canals with resorption foci is age independent; number/area Haversian canals with bone formation foci, total of Haversian canals and percentage of subendosteal (Haversian canals + marrow spaces) are increased with age.