Bone changes in the mandible: a radiographic study using fractal analysis in a pediatric sickle cell population in Senegal

Introduction Sickle cell disease is a genetic disease characterised by chronic hemolytic anaemia that can cause bone damage. The diagnosis is based on a physical examination and laboratory tests. Today, with panoramic X-rays, it is possible to make an early diagnosis of bone damage in the maxillae linked to SS-sickle cell disease. The objective of this study was to study radiographic bone changes in the mandible related to SS-cell sickle cell disease and in a juvenile Senegalese population by fractal analysis. Method A sample of 112 panoramic radiographs of children (56 sickle cell and 56 non-sickle cell subjects) aged 5 to 15 years was selected. The bone changes observed were studied in two regions of interest (ROIs) by fractal analysis on Image J. The data obtained were analysed in Jamovi. For the quantitative variables normality was studied by the Shapiro Wilk test. The results were expressed as mean and standard deviation. The T student test was used to compare means. The significance level was p< 0.05. Results the mean fractal dimension of ROI2 (basilar cortex) was 7.10+/-1.92 in Sickle Cell SS and 6.12+/-2.16 in non-Sickle Cell with a statistically significant difference p<0.012. On ROI1, the mean value of fractal dimension in the 56 sickle cell subjects was 7.75+/-1.92 and of 9.58+/-2.55 in the 56 non-sickle cell subjects. The mean difference was statistically significant p < 0.001. Conclusion This comparative study by fractal analysis in Image J showed a substantial difference in bone trabeculation between sickle cell and non-sickle cell subjects.