A T-score of -2.6 falls into which diagnostic category?

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

Answer: (A)

Bone density is interpreted using a T-score that compares your density with that of a healthy young adult. A T-score of -2.5 or lower means osteoporosis because bone density is more than 2.5 standard deviations below young normal. A value of -2.6 therefore fits the osteoporosis category. Severe osteoporosis is a step further and is defined when osteoporosis is present along with a fragility fracture; without a fracture history, this would be labeled osteoporosis rather than severe osteoporosis. Normal is typically -1.0 and above, and osteopenia is between -1.0 and -2.5.