Trabecular Pattern
Pronunciation: truh-BECK-yoo-lar
The radiographic appearance of the network of bony trabeculae within cancellous bone, used diagnostically to assess bone density and detect pathological changes in the jaw.
Full Definition
The trabecular pattern describes the lattice-like arrangement of cancellous bone visible on intraoral and panoramic radiographs. Changes in trabecular pattern—such as loss of definition, coarsening, or 'ground-glass' appearance—are important diagnostic indicators of conditions including osteoporosis, Paget's disease, fibrous dysplasia, and malignancy. Dental radiologists and editors alike must distinguish between normal regional variation in trabecular density and pathological alteration. The term is written as two words, lower case, and should not be hyphenated. It is frequently confused with bone density, which is a quantitative measure rather than a qualitative radiographic description.
Usage
Usage note: Two unhyphenated words. When describing radiographic findings, qualify whether the pattern appears normal, coarsened, or obliterated.
In Context
- "The panoramic radiograph demonstrated a coarsened trabecular pattern in the posterior mandible, warranting further investigation." — Oral and maxillofacial radiology report
- "A ground-glass trabecular pattern is a classic radiographic feature of fibrous dysplasia." — Dental radiology textbook