A T-score of -3.0 indicates which bone health condition?

A T-score of -3.0 indicates which bone health condition?

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

Answer: (D)

A T-score expresses how your bone mineral density compares to a young healthy reference group, in standard deviation units. Normal density sits within about one standard deviation of that young reference. When density is between one and two and a half standard deviations below the young reference, that’s osteopenia. A T-score of -2.5 or lower meets the criteria for osteoporosis. Since -3.0 is below -2.5, it indicates osteoporosis. If a fragility fracture were present, this would be described as severe osteoporosis; without a fracture, the finding is osteoporosis and would typically prompt treatment to reduce fracture risk.

A T-score expresses how your bone mineral density compares to a young healthy reference group, in standard deviation units. Normal density sits within about one standard deviation of that young reference. When density is between one and two and a half standard deviations below the young reference, that’s osteopenia. A T-score of -2.5 or lower meets the criteria for osteoporosis. Since -3.0 is below -2.5, it indicates osteoporosis. If a fragility fracture were present, this would be described as severe osteoporosis; without a fracture, the finding is osteoporosis and would typically prompt treatment to reduce fracture risk.