Osteoporosisis 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.
A bone density scan produces a number called a T-score.
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The numerical value will give your doctor an idea of where your bone density currently is.
It can tell them if you already have osteoporosis or if you are at risk for developing it.
A diagnosis of osteoporosis is made if a persons T-score is -2.5 or lower.
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What Does T-Score Measure?
Bones have microscopic holes throughout them, and their structure is often compared to a honeycomb.
When bone loss occurs, the holes in the bones get bigger.
Bigger holes lead to weak and brittle bones.
T-score tests are used to help determine how big the holes in the bone are.
Osteopenia is also often diagnosed using a bone density test, which measures both bone mass and bone strength.
T-scores measure the number of minerals in a persons bone.
A persons level of bone loss is compared to that of a typical, healthy 30-year-old adult.
The comparison helps determine a persons bone density.
Bone Density by Age
Losing bone density is part of the normal aging process.
Other factors, such as diet and exercise, also play a role in the onset of osteoporosis.
The process of bone remodeling is a cyclical event that occurs throughout your life.
This leads to progressive bone loss.
T-scores are used to determine primary osteoporosis, which exists on its own without any other cause.
Z-scores are designed to identify if there is a secondary cause of bone loss.
They are often used for younger adults, children, or premenopausal women.
Is a T-Score Better Than a Z-Score?
T-scores and Z-scores have their own strengths.
you might think of a Z-score as a preventive screening to help you better understand your bone health.
Whos At Risk?
Women and people over the age of 50 are the most at risk for osteoporosis.
However, anyone can develop the condition.
There are certain other populations that are at a higher risk.
Who Needs a Bone Density Test?
They can assess your risk or refer you to a specialist who can.
The provider or specialist can book the test if it is appropriate for you.
Your insurance provider might be able to tell you where the test is available.
Tests can often be done inradiologydepartments in hospitals and private radiology clinics.
In some cases, medical practices are equipped for this pop in of test.
Bone Density Tests
Several tests can be used to determine a T-score.
However, each ray is absorbed differently.
The two separate absorptions allow doctors to get a better picture of the structure of the bone.
The bone scan is painless and lasts roughly 15 minutes.
The DEXA scan relies on T-scores to determine the level of bone density that a person has.
Which Test Comes First?
Your bone density is considered normal.
Lifestyle changes that promote bone healthcan also be helpful inslowing the progressionof the disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
No bone density test is 100% accurate.
However, T-scores are the most accurate measurement used to determine osteoporosis risk and loss of bone density.
In some cases, a T-score can be improved.
However, it depends on where your score falls within the risk range and your lifestyle.
If you are not sure where you fall on the risk scale, ask your doctor.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Osteoporosis: what you gotta know as you age.
