Which DEXA T-score threshold confirms osteoporosis when measured at the hip or spine?

• A. DEXA T-score ≤ -2.5 at the hip or spine
• B. DEXA T-score ≤ -1.0
• C. DEXA T-score ≤ -3.0
• D. DEXA T-score ≤ -2.0

Answer: (A)

DEXA gives a bone mineral density result expressed as a T-score, which compares your density to that of a young, healthy reference population. The defined cutoff for osteoporosis is a T-score of -2.5 or lower, and this threshold is applied at key fracture-prone sites like the hip and spine because low density there predicts higher fracture risk. So meeting or exceeding that severity on either site confirms osteoporosis. A T-score between -1.0 and -2.5 indicates osteopenia, and a score above -1 is considered normal. While a more extreme value like -3.0 would also reflect very low bone density, the standard diagnostic criterion clinicians rely on is -2.5 or lower.