What is a good bone mineral density score?
A T-score of -1.0 or above is normal bone density. Examples are 0.9, 0 and -0.9. A T-score between -1.0 and -2.5 means you have low bone mass or osteopenia. Examples are T-scores of -1.1, -1.6 and -2.4.
What are normal results for a bone density scan?
The lower your score, the weaker your bones are: T-score of -1.0 or above = normal bone density. T-score between -1.0 and -2.5 = low bone density, or osteopenia. T-score of -2.5 or lower = osteoporosis.
What does a bone mineral density test show?
Overview. A bone density test determines if you have osteoporosis — a disorder characterized by bones that are more fragile and more likely to break. The test uses X-rays to measure how many grams of calcium and other bone minerals are packed into a segment of bone.
What are the two types of bone density scans?
There are two types of DEXA scans:
- Central DEXA — You lie on a soft table. The scanner passes over your lower spine and hip.
- Peripheral DEXA (p-DEXA) — These smaller machines measure the bone density in your wrist, fingers, leg, or heel.
Can a bone density scan show osteoarthritis?
A bone density test isn’t typically used to diagnose arthritis. Instead, it’s most often used to diagnose early signs of bone loss or osteoporosis. But if you have inflammatory types of arthritis, like RA or PsA, you may be at risk for developing osteoporosis.
What is a DEXA scan for bone density?
A DEXA scan is a high-precision type of X-ray that measures your bone mineral density and bone loss. If your bone density is lower than normal for your age, it indicates a risk for osteoporosis and bone fractures. DEXA stands for dual energy X-ray absorptiometry.
How are the results of the bone mineral density test compared?
The results of the bone mineral density test are compared to two standards (norms): The age-matched reading, known as the Z-score, compares a person’s bone density to what is expected in someone of equivalent age, sex, and size.
What is the young-normal bone density test?
The young-normal reading, known as the T-score, compares bone density to the optimal peak bone density of a healthy young adult (30 years old) of the same sex. The T-score determines fracture risk, which increases as bone mineral density falls below young-normal levels.
What are DEXA results and how are they read?
Your DEXA results will be read by a radiologist and given to you and your doctor in a few days. The scoring system for the scan measures your bone loss against that of a healthy young adult, according to standards established by the WHO. This is called your T score. It’s the standard deviation between your measured bone loss and the average.