A bone density T-score of -1.8 falls into which category?

A bone density T-score of -1.8 falls into which category?

• A. Normal bone mineral density.
• B. Osteoporosis.
• C. Osteopenia.
• D. Severe osteoporosis.

Answer: (C)

Understanding T-scores: a T-score shows how your bone mineral density compares to a healthy young adult, in units of standard deviations. A T-score of -1.8 means density is 1.8 standard deviations below that reference. The standard breakpoints are: normal at about -1.0 and higher, osteopenia from -1.0 down to just above -2.5, osteoporosis at -2.5 or lower, and severe osteoporosis when osteoporosis is present with a fragility fracture. Because -1.8 lies between -1.0 and -2.5, it fits the osteopenia range.

Understanding T-scores: a T-score shows how your bone mineral density compares to a healthy young adult, in units of standard deviations. A T-score of -1.8 means density is 1.8 standard deviations below that reference. The standard breakpoints are: normal at about -1.0 and higher, osteopenia from -1.0 down to just above -2.5, osteoporosis at -2.5 or lower, and severe osteoporosis when osteoporosis is present with a fragility fracture. Because -1.8 lies between -1.0 and -2.5, it fits the osteopenia range.