Which range of T-scores defines osteopenia?

• A. > -1.0
• B. -1.0 to -2.5
• C. -2.5 to -3.5
• D. -0.5 to -2.0

Answer: (B)

T-scores quantify how your bone mineral density compares to a healthy young adult of the same sex. The difference is measured in standard deviations, so a score tells you how many SDs your bone density is below that young reference. Normal density is a T-score of -1.0 or higher. Osteopenia, which is lower than normal but not yet osteoporosis, falls in the range from -1.0 down to -2.5. Osteoporosis is a T-score of -2.5 or lower. So the range that defines osteopenia is -1.0 to -2.5. For example, a T-score around -1.6 indicates osteopenia, signaling higher fracture risk than normal but not as severe as osteoporosis.