What does a "low normal" bone density test mean?
Low bone density is when your bone density is lower than normal, but not low enough to be considered osteoporosis. It may mean that you have a greater chance of getting osteoporosis if you lose bone in the future because you have less bone to lose.
What does a bone density score tell you?
This compares your results to the bone density of a healthy 30-year-old:
- A T-score greater than -1 is considered normal
- A T-score between -1 and -2.5 indicates osteopenia
- A T-score lower than -2.5 indicates osteoporosis
What should your bone density percentage be?
- A T score of -1 to +1 is considered normal bone density.
- A T score of -1 to -2.5 indicates osteopenia (low bone density).
- A T score of -2.5 or lower is bone density low enough to be categorized as osteoporosis.
Is low bone density indicative of osteoporosis?
The diagnosis of osteoporosis is based on low bone mineral density (BMD) and/or the occurrence of fragility fractures. The majority of patients, however, have also abnormally low bone matrix mineralization. The latter is indicative of alterations in bone turnover rates and/or in kinetics of mineral accumulation within the newly formed bone matrix.
Who Should Get A Dexa Scan?
DEXA screening is recommended for all men over the age of 70 and all women over the age of 65. Bone density should also be measured in women betwee...
What About Radiation Exposure?
The radiation emitted from a DEXA scan is about one-tenth the radiation emitted from a chest x-ray. Still, there are other bone density tests which...
Interpreting Your Bone Density Scan Results
DEXA bone scan results scores are measured as “T-scores,” which is a comparison of a person’s bone density with that of a healthy 30-year-old of th...
Using A Bone Density Chart to Estimate Total Bone Loss
To better understand the current health of your bones, you should multiply your T-score by 10 percent (as shown in the bone density results chart b...
What is the T score for osteoporosis?
Osteopenia is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as 10% to 25% below an average healthy 30 year old adult, or a T-score between –1.0 and –2.5 standard deviations below normal. Having a T-score between -1.0 and -2.5 is not “pre-osteoporosis” or a medical condition, but it is very important for people with low bone density ...
What is the standard deviation of a bone mass?
One standard deviation is equal to a 10–12% difference in bone mass. If you are exactly equal to the peak bone mass of an average 30-year-old, you do not deviate at all from the average so your T-score would be 0 standard deviations (SD). If your bones are stronger than the average adult, your bone mass may be +1 or +2 SD indicating ...
What is a T score?
A T-score is a standard deviation — a mathematical term that calculates how much a result varies from the average or mean. The score that you receive from your bone density (BMD or DXA) test is measured as a standard deviation from the mean. The manufacturers of the DXA machines have programmed them to use a formula to compute these values.
What is American bone health?
American Bone Health is here to help guide you to better bone health. If you would like more information or to speak with one of our experts, please fill out the form below and we will contact you and discuss your concerns.
What is the T score of a 30 year old?
Osteopenia is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as 10% to 25% below an average healthy 30 year old adult, or a T-score between –1.0 and –2.5 standard deviations below normal. Having a T-score between -1.0 and -2.5 is not “pre-osteoporosis” or a medical condition, ...
What is a bone density test?
A bone mineral density (BMD) test can provide a snapshot of your bone health. The test can identify osteoporosis, determine your risk for fractures (broken bones), and measure your response to osteoporosis treatment. The most commonly used BMD test is called a central dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, or central DXA test. It is painless – a bit like having an x-ray. The test can measure bone density at your hip and lumbar spine.
Where is bone density measured?
Peripheral bone density tests measure bone density in the lower arm, wrist, finger or heel. These tests are often used for screening purposes and can help identify people who might benefit from follow-up bone density testing at the hip and lumbar spine.
What does a BMD score mean?
Most commonly, your BMD test results are compared to the bone mineral density of a healthy young adult, and you are given a T-score. A score of 0 means your BMD is equal to the norm for a healthy young adult. Differences between your BMD and that of the healthy young adult norm are measured in units called standard deviations (SDs). The more standard deviations below 0, indicated as negative numbers, the lower your BMD and the higher your risk of fracture.
What is the difference between BMD and healthy young adult norm?
The more standard deviations below 0, indicated as negative numbers, the lower your BMD and the higher your risk of fracture.
Why is bone mass low?
Low bone mass can be caused by many factors such as: Heredity. Low body weight. A medical condition or medication to treat such a condition that negatively affects bone. Although not everyone who has low bone mass will develop osteoporosis, low bone mass is an important risk factor for osteoporosis fractures.
How accurate is the BMD test?
Although no bone density test is 100-percent accurate, the BMD test is an important predictor of whether a person will have a fracture in the future.
How to slow down bone loss?
Your doctor will want you to develop – or keep – healthy habits such as eating foods rich in calcium and vitamin D and doing weight-bearing exercise such as walking, jogging, or dancing.
How often should you get a bone density test?
In addition to obtaining your initial DEXA scan results, repeating the scan every two to five years is recommended, depending on your risk factors.
What is the gold standard for osteoporosis?
There are a variety of bone density tests available, but the "gold standard" test for diagnosing osteoporosis is the DEXA scan.
What is the DEXA score?
DEXA bone scan results scores are measured as T-scores, which is a comparison of a person’s bone density with that of a healthy 30-year-old adult. The lower bone density test results, the lower your total bone density, indicating osteopenia or osteoporosis.
What is the best test for osteoporosis?
There are a variety of bone density tests available, but the “gold standard” test for diagnosing osteoporosis is the DEXA scan (also written as “ DXA scan “). The acronym stands for dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, and it measures bone density in the spine, hip, or wrist.
What does a T score of 1.0 mean?
A T-score of -1.0 to -2.5 signifies osteopenia, meaning below-normal bone density without full-blown osteoporosis. This stage of bone loss is the precursor to osteoporosis.
How many men have hip fractures each year?
And each year, approximately 80,000 men have a hip fracture. That’s why it’s so critical to undergo bone density testing. Even if you’re otherwise healthy, consulting a bone density chart and getting a baseline bone density scan can diagnose even the slightest beginnings of bone loss.
Is the Dexa T score a good predictor of bone health?
Keep in mind: Focusing too closely on the DEXA bone density scores can be a mistake. Many doctors admit that the DEXA T-score is not a perfect predictor for bone health or fracture risk. That’s why it’s important to consider taking the other tests. Furthermore, your risk factors are just as important as your T-score and may lead to better predictions of bone disease. In order to determine your true osteoporosis risk factors, use our self-test here: Should I Be Worried About Bone Loss? Use Our Quiz to Find Out!
What is bone density test?
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. The bones that are most commonly tested are in the spine, hip and sometimes the forearm.
What are the limitations of bone density testing?
Limitations of bone density testing include: Differences in testing methods. Devices that measure density of the bones in the spine and hip are more accurate but cost more than do devices that measure density of the peripheral bones of the forearm, finger or heel. Previous spinal problems.
What happens if you lose your height?
Lost height. People who have lost at least 1.5 inches (3.8 centimeters) in height may have compression fractures in their spines, for which osteoporosis is one of the main causes. Fractured a bone. Fragility fractures occur when a bone becomes so fragile that it breaks much more easily than expected.
What is bone scan?
Bone scans require an injection beforehand and are usually used to detect fractures, cancer, infections and other abnormalities in the bone. Although osteoporosis is more common in older women, men also can develop the condition. Regardless of your sex or age, your doctor may recommend a bone density test if you've:
What does it mean when your bones are denser?
The higher your bone mineral content, the denser your bones are. And the denser your bones, the stronger they generally are and the less likely they are to break.
What happens to the outer shell of a bone when it loses its structure?
With bone loss, the outer shell of a bone becomes thinner and the interior becomes more porous. Normal bone is strong and flexible. Osteoporotic bone is weaker and subject to fracture.
Which bone is most likely to break?
Bone density tests are usually done on bones that are most likely to break because of osteoporosis, including: Lower spine bones (lumbar vertebrae) The narrow neck of your thighbone (femur), next to your hip joint. Bones in your forearm.
What does a bone density test tell you?
When you have your bone density tested, your doctor will get a numerical score that tells them if you already have osteoporosis or if you are at risk for developing it. One of the numbers is called a T-score, and it tells whether your bone density is low enough to be considered osteoporosis.
What is the best score for osteoporosis?
Although T-scores are typically the first choice for doctors looking to gauge the level of bone loss, a Z-score can also be beneficial to help diagnose osteoporosis or the amount of bone loss in women, children, and young men.
What Does T-Score Measure?
Bigger holes lead to weak and brittle bones. T-score tests are used to help determine how big the holes in the bone are .
What is the disease of bone loss?
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that develops because of bone loss. The result is weak and brittle bones that are prone to fractures even from low-impact movements. To find out if you have or are at risk for osteoporosis, you will need a bone density test.
How often should you repeat a dexa scan?
If the results indicate that you have or are at risk of having osteoporosis, you may have to repeat the test once every one to two years.
What does a T score do?
Your T-score gives you the information that you need to strengthen bone density in a meaningful way. Once you know your T-score, you can take steps to help prevent osteoporosis from developing or to prevent more bone loss.
How to slow down bone loss?
As low bone density is a risk factor for osteoporosis, you may want to take steps to slow bone loss, such as making sure that you are getting the daily recommended amount of vitamin D and calcium in your diet and getting regular exercise such as walking, dancing, or jogging.
What does bone density tell you?
Bone density testing can tell you how your bones are faring as you age. Learn more about who should get tested as well as treatments for low bone density.
Why is bone density important?
Bone density is vitally important as we age because less-dense bones are more likely to break, even from a routine, run-of-the-mill injury like tripping and falling off a curb.
How to bulk up your bones in your 30s?
While there may not be much you can do to bulk up your bones once you hit your 30s, there are some ways to hold on to what bone mass you have. The first of these is nutrition. While there’s no magic solution, Dr. Serota says, “you want to make sure you have a colorful diet with a lot of variety and that you have a protein source at most meals.”
What is the most important vitamin for bone health?
What is hugely important for bone health is vitamin D , she adds. “Those of us in the northeast, or really anywhere at northern latitudes, should be taking some form of vitamin D. As we get older, our skin is less able to make sunlight into the vitamin D that we need. Also, many of the medications we take can also eat up our vitamin D , and there are conditions that cause a more rapid metabolism of vitamin D . Most people need some form of vitamin D supplement.”
What does it mean when you have osteoporosis in one area?
But if you’re diagnosed with osteoporosis in one area, that means you have it everywhere. “The diagnosis is made based on the lowest score,” she adds. “Sometimes people will see on a report from their radiologist that they have osteopenia in one place and osteoporosis in another, but that’s wrong.”
Is it possible to have different bone density scores in different parts of the body?
There are a few other nuances as well. For example, it’s possible to have different bone density scores in different parts of the body. “The spine is the most metabolically active, which means it’s a spot that’s apt to lose bone density first,” says Dr. Serota. “There are also conditions that preferentially take bone from certain areas, like the wrist.”
Can osteoporosis be treated with more than one drug?
Unlike most chronic diseases like diabetes or high blood pressure, osteoporosis typically doesn’t require more than one drug to treat it. It’s the importance of regular treatment that matters. “People think, OK, I have osteoporosis, I’m just going to manage it with supplements and exercise,” says Dr. Serota. “That’s like saying, ‘I have a blockage in my heart, but I’m just not going to eat Big Macs anymore.’ Once you have a diagnosis, medications prescribed by a doctor are the best way to treat it.”
What is a negative Z score?
The Z score is a comparison to others of the same age and gender. Negative Z scores require further evaluation to determine the cause of the reduction in bone mass. ADVERTISEMENT.
What does a T score mean?
The T score represents the comparison of the subject's bone mass to that of a healthy 30-year-old. A T score result of minus one to minus 2 1/2 indicates osteopenia, while lower than minus 2 1/2 indicates osteoporosis, reports WebMD. The Z score is a comparison to others of the same age and gender. Negative Z scores require further evaluation to determine the cause of the reduction in bone mass.
What is bone density?
Bone density (also known as bone densitometry) testing is a way of measuring the amount of calcium in a certain amount of bone. This is important because the amount of calcium in your bone determines how strong it is. If the bone density is very low, then you have osteoporosis and a very high risk of fracturing your bones. A standard X-ray is not a good way to measure bone density, because you must lose about 30% of your bone mass before it can be detected this way. We need to find out about any problem long before it gets that severe. There are different techniques for measuring bone density. The most advanced, and the one used by New Mexico Clinical Research & Osteoporosis Center, is called “Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry” or DXA. This uses a very weak form of X-ray (about 1/30 the radiation of a standard chest X-ray) to rapidly scan your bones, and a computer to convert this information to numbers indicating your bone density. This is a high technology test, but is very easy to go through. It takes only a few minutes, and involves no shots, needles, enemas, or medicine. In fact, you don’t even have to take off your clothes, provided you are wearing nothing with metal in it.
Who needs a bone density scan?
The answer is – anyone who wants an accurate measurement of bone density . However, because of cost concerns, the test is most often done for those with high risk of developing osteoporosis, or to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for osteoporosis. Consult with your physician if you think you might benefit from knowing your bone density.
What is a Trabecular Bone Score (TBS) and why is it important for my bone health?
TBS is important because about one-half of people who break bones do not have a bone density that is classified as osteoporosis. TBS can help recognize these people and allow for more personalized care to prevent broken bones.
Do I have to have another bone density scan to get my TBS?
No, TBS does not require any additional scanning. It uses advanced software cleared by the FDA to measure your bone structure with the same scan that measures your bone density.
What age group is most often done for bone density?
The categories for which bone density is most often done are: Women age 65 and older and men age 70 and older. Perimenopausal women, postmenopausal women under age 65, and men age 50 to 69 with risk factors for fracture . Adults over age 50 with a fracture.
How weak is a chest X-ray?
This uses a very weak form of X-ray (about 1/30 the radiation of a standard chest X-ray) to rapidly scan your bones, and a computer to convert this information to numbers indicating your bone density. This is a high technology test, but is very easy to go through.
Will insurance cover bone density?
It depends. At this time, most insurance companies have a very specific list of diagnoses which will qualify you for coverage to have bone densitometry done. The list is different for each type of insurance, and often pre-authorization is required before the test is scheduled. Your physician’s office can give you more information on whether or not you will be covered. If you and your physician feel that the test should be done, even if not covered by insurance, then arrangements can be made for self-pay at a discounted rate.
Overview
Why It's Done
- Doctors use bone density testing to: 1. Identify decreases in bone density before you break a bone 2. Determine your risk of broken bones (fractures) 3. Confirm a diagnosis of osteoporosis 4. Monitor osteoporosis treatment The higher your bone mineral content, the denser your bones are. And the denser your bones, the stronger they generally are and the less likely they are to break. B…
Risks
- Limitations of bone density testing include: 1. Differences in testing methods.Devices that measure density of the bones in the spine and hip are more accurate but cost more than do devices that measure density of the peripheral bones of the forearm, finger or heel. 2. Previous spinal problems.Test results may not be accurate in people who have structural abnormalities i…
How You Prepare
- Bone density tests are easy, fast and painless. Virtually no preparation is needed. Be sure to tell your doctor beforehand if you've recently had a barium exam or had contrast material injected for a CTscan or nuclear medicine test. Contrast materials might interfere with your bone density test.
What You Can Expect
- Bone density tests are usually done on bones that are most likely to break because of osteoporosis, including: 1. Lower spine bones (lumbar vertebrae) 2. The narrow neck of your thighbone (femur), next to your hip joint 3. Bones in your forearm If you have your bone density test done at a hospital, it'll probably be done on a device where you lie on a padded platform whil…