How bad is a T-score for bone density?
Osteoporosis — People with osteoporosis have a T-score of -2.5 or less. Larger numbers (eg, -3.0) indicate lower bone density because this is a negative number. The lower the bone density, the greater the risk of fracture….GRAPHICS.
T-score | Bone density |
---|---|
Between –1 and –2.5 | Osteopenia |
What does a bone density T-score of mean?
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. A T-score of -2.5 or below is a diagnosis of osteoporosis.
Is a T-score serious?

A T-score within 1 SD (+1 or -1) of the young adult mean indicates normal bone density. A T-score of 1 to 2.5 SD below the young adult mean (-1 to -2.5 SD) indicates low bone mass. A T-score of 2.5 SD or more below the young adult mean (more than -2.5 SD) indicates the presence of osteoporosis.
What does a T-score of indicate?
A T-score of -1 to 0 and above is considered normal bone density. A T-score between -1 and -2.5 is diagnosed as osteopenia. A score of -2.5 or below is diagnosed as osteoporosis.
What is the highest T score for osteoporosis?
A T-score of −2.5 or lower indicates that you have osteoporosis. The greater the negative number, the more severe the osteoporosis….The T-score.

Level | Definition |
---|---|
Osteoporosis | Bone density is 2.5 SD or more below the young adult mean (−2.5 SD or lower). |
What is the highest T-score for osteoporosis?
Is osteoporosis a terminal illness?
Osteoporosis is a chronic disease, carrying an elevated risk of fractures, morbidity, and death. Long-term treatment may be required, but the long-term risks with osteoporosis drugs remain incompletely understood.
Can you live 20 years with osteoporosis?
The average life expectancy of osteoporosis patients is in excess of 15 years in women younger than 75 years and in men younger than 60 years, highlighting the importance of developing tools for long-term management.