Bone density scans measure bone mineral density to detect potential fractures or osteoporosis. Results include a T-score (relative to a healthy young adult of the same gender) and a Z-score (relative to others in the same demographic). A negative number suggests bone loss and a higher negative number indicates a higher risk of bone fractures. A T-score above -1 is normal, between -1 and -2.5 points towards osteopenia, and below -2.5 reveals osteoporosis. A Z-score of less than -1.5 suggests factors other than aging or menopause may be responsible for bone loss. Results are determined by the difference between two X-ray beams.
Usually, bone density scan results include two scores. There is a T-score and a Z-score. The T-score measures bone density relative to the bone density of a healthy young adult of the same gender as you. The AZ score, on the other hand, evaluates your bone density relative to the bone density found in other individuals in your same demographic. In general, a negative number on your bone density scan results indicates some bone loss, and a higher negative number suggests you are more likely than normal to break a bone.
A bone density scan, also known as bone densitometry or dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), measures bone mineral density (BMD) to detect potential bone fractures or osteoporosis. Interpretations vary, but to elaborate, a T-score above -1 is normal, between -1 and -2.5 points towards osteopenia, and below -2.5 reveals osteoporosis. For a Z-score, a measurement of less than -1.5 suggests that factors other than aging or menopause may be responsible for bone loss. Because osteoporosis can lead to bone fractures, a T-score helps assess a person’s risk of suffering a fracture. Also, since the likely and normal causes of bone loss are aging and menopause, a Z-score helps determine whether there might be a secondary, underlying cause of your condition.
The measurements in bone density scan results are the differences between two separate X-ray beams that measure the amount of calcium and other minerals in the bones during the exam. That is, the exam uses two beams of X-rays, one high-energy and one low-energy to evaluate the bone. The difference between the measurements read by these beams equals the bone density of that particular bone. This is how bone density scan results are determined.
Bone density scan results for one area of the body may predict bone density in another area of the body. It’s important to note, however, that the best way to find measurements for a particular bone is to receive a bone density scan in that specific area. For example, your results might give you bone density measurements in your wrist, but to find out about your spine, you would need to get a bone density scan in this area as well. This thorough approach will either confirm or deny any suspicions.
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