A bone density T-score indicating osteoporosis is defined as which of the following?

A bone density T-score indicating osteoporosis is defined as which of the following?

• A. -1.0
• B. -2.0
• C. -2.5 or lower
• D. -3.5

Answer: (C)

A T-score compares a person’s bone mineral density to that of a healthy young adult. Osteoporosis is defined when that T-score is -2.5 or lower, meaning the density is 2.5 or more standard deviations below the young reference mean. So values around -1.0 are normal, about -2.0 indicates osteopenia, and -3.5 would still meet the osteoporosis threshold. The key point is the cutoff of -2.5 or lower.

A T-score compares a person’s bone mineral density to that of a healthy young adult. Osteoporosis is defined when that T-score is -2.5 or lower, meaning the density is 2.5 or more standard deviations below the young reference mean. So values around -1.0 are normal, about -2.0 indicates osteopenia, and -3.5 would still meet the osteoporosis threshold. The key point is the cutoff of -2.5 or lower.