The T-score is a standardized score that is used to compare bone density measurements to the average bone density of healthy young adults.
Understanding T-scores
A T-score is calculated by comparing your bone density to the average bone density of a healthy 30-year-old adult of the same sex.
The T-score is expressed in standard deviations.
A T-score of 0 means your bone density is the same as the average for a healthy young adult.
A T-score of -1 means your bone density is one standard deviation below the average.
A T-score of +1 means your bone density is one standard deviation above the average.
T-scores and Bone Density
T-scores are used to diagnose osteoporosis and osteopenia.
A T-score of -2.5 or lower indicates osteoporosis.
A T-score between -1.0 and -2.5 indicates osteopenia, which is a condition where bone density is lower than normal but not as low as osteoporosis.
Practical Insights
- T-scores are a helpful tool for assessing bone health.
- They can help doctors identify individuals at risk for fractures.
- T-scores can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of osteoporosis treatments.
Examples
- A woman with a T-score of -3.0 has osteoporosis.
- A man with a T-score of -1.5 has osteopenia.
- A woman with a T-score of 0 has normal bone density.
