Evaluation of the changes in trabecular bone density of angle and condyle regions of the mandible before and after COVID-19 contraction using fractal analysis

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the trabecular bone thickness in the mandible using fractal analysis. The researchers selected 82 healthy patients who had previously been infected with COVID-19 and had dental panoramic radiographs (DPRs) prior to contracting the virus. DPRs were obtained again after infection, and the trabecular thickness was analyzed before and after COVID-19 using statistical tests. The results revealed that the average trabecular thickness of the mandible at the angle and condyle regions decreased significantly after contracting COVID-19. The mean thickness before infection was 1.479 ± 0.128 at the angle point and 1.469 ± 0.124 at the condylar region, while after infection, it decreased to 1.200 ± 0.123 and 1.159 ± 0.114, respectively. The reduction in trabecular thickness was found to be statistically significant. This study underscores the importance of monitoring bone density in COVID-19 patients. The findings suggest that COVID-19 can have extrapulmonary effects on skeletal health, specifically the mandibular bone. The results highlight the need for preventive interventions to mitigate pathological bone loss in individuals affected by COVID-19. Overall, this research emphasizes the significance of considering skeletal manifestations and implementing appropriate measures for COVID-19 patients to safeguard their bone health.