A bone density T-score of -1.5 most appropriately indicates which category?

A bone density T-score of -1.5 most appropriately indicates which category?

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

Answer: (B)

T-scores show how a person’s bone mineral density compares with that of a healthy young adult. A score of -1.5 means the density is 1.5 standard deviations below that young reference level. This places it below normal density but not so low as to be categorized as osteoporosis. Normal bone density is typically -1.0 or higher; osteoporosis is defined as -2.5 or lower, and severe osteoporosis is osteoporosis with a fracture. So, -1.5 best fits the osteopenia category.

T-scores show how a person’s bone mineral density compares with that of a healthy young adult. A score of -1.5 means the density is 1.5 standard deviations below that young reference level. This places it below normal density but not so low as to be categorized as osteoporosis. Normal bone density is typically -1.0 or higher; osteoporosis is defined as -2.5 or lower, and severe osteoporosis is osteoporosis with a fracture. So, -1.5 best fits the osteopenia category.