DXA T-score defining osteoporosis?

• A. T-score ≤ -2.5 at the hip or spine
• B. T-score ≤ -1.0
• C. T-score between -1.0 and -2.0
• D. T-score ≥ 0.0

Answer: (A)

Bone density on a DXA scan is reported as a T-score, which compares your density to that of a young healthy reference population. The category for osteoporosis is a T-score of -2.5 or lower at critical fracture-predicting sites, typically the hip or spine. This threshold matters because a substantial drop in density at these sites strongly raises fracture risk. Values between -1.0 and -2.5 are osteopenia, and -1.0 or higher is considered normal bone density. A T-score of 0.0 or above would be normal or above average. The hip and spine are emphasized because fractures there are most clinically significant and the measurements at these sites best reflect overall fracture risk.