When given the results of a DEXA scan for osteoporosis, what do the numbers represent?
The DEXA scan is a type of X-ray that estimates bone mineral density, which is a measure of bone strength. It’s the most common screening test for osteoporosis, a condition in which bone density is low and the risk of bone fracture is increased. In most cases, the important numbers to know are your T-scores. These are measures of your bone density compared to young adults considered to have “normal” bone density. The lower your T-score, the higher your fracture risk. Here’s how T-scores are reported: • -1.0 and higher are normal. • -1.0 to -2.5 indicate osteopenia (reduced bone density, but not as low as osteoporosis). • -2.5 and below indicate osteoporosis (significantly low bone density). Results can also be described as Z-scores. These are measures of bone density that compare your bone density with that of people your age and gender. If you’re a 56-year-old woman, you could have low bone mineral density, but because so many women your age have low bone mineral density, your Z-score
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