Definition of T-Scores

As you get older, it is not possible for you to feel that your bones are becoming thinner and more fragile, but most likely they are. In most cases, people do not realize how delicate their bones are until they fall and break a hip. At best, such a break can keep a person from participating in his usual activities. At worst, a fracture can result in going to a nursing home, or even pneumonia and dying. It is therefore critical for people to know if they do have osteoporosis or a high risk of a bone fracture. This way, they can take the necessary preventative steps for their maximum well being.

Bone Density Measure

• It is recommended that any woman over the age of 65 get a bone density measurement. This test lets the health care professional know the density, or thickness, of a person's bones. That is, it tells how much calcium and other minerals are in a bone. The more minerals there are, the better the bone density and the lower the risk. In general, this test measures bone density, osteoporosis prior to a bone fracture taking place, the risk of fracturing a bone in the future, and the effectiveness of treating a fracture.

World Health Organization

• The T-score is what the World Health Organization uses to determine if someone has normal bone density, low bone density (osteopenia), or poor bone density (osteoporosis). With the T-score, your bone density is compared to the average bone thickness of a healthy person who is 30 years old. This person is your same gender and ethnic background.

T-Score Measurement

• The T-score is based on a statistical measurement called the standard deviation, or the amount a person is different than the norm. It is designated in negative numbers. The greater the negative number, the more risk of osteoporosis. Thus, a person who has a -1 (negative 1) has little risk. A person who has a -1 to -2.5 has a greater risk, and a person with over -2.5 has a severe risk of osteoporosis.

Z-Score

• Sometimes the doctor will ask for a Z-score instead of a T-score. In this case, a person is compared to someone her own age and/or ethnic group instead of an individual in the best of health at 30 years of age. A low Z-score, normally -2.0 or more, is an alarm of a bone density problem. When someone has a low Z-score, the health care professional may strongly suggest more tests to determine why the bone density is so low and what can be done to help the problem.

Treatment

• If you have a T-score that shows osteoporosis, your health care provider may recommend that you take medicine for treatment. The doctor can also let you know what steps to take to lower the risk of fractures.