T-Score...Explained
Have you had a DEXA scan? If so, you’re probably familiar with what's called a
T-Score.
When you get a bone density test, the results are reported as a T-score. Which in turn indicates how far away you are from the normal. And normal is based on the bone density expected for an average person at age 30.
While many people are familiar with a T-score, few actually understand what this "score" actually means...so let's use a traffic light to help guide our understanding!
Because we focus so much on building quality new bone, overall bone strength, and fracture prevention here at OsteoStrong, one of our most commonly asked question centers around the "T-Score" and a diagnosis of osteopenia or osteoporosis.
In this episode, let's clear up the confusion and find out what a T-Score actually is AND why it matters.
Let's dive in!
With every blog post, we like to equip you with a POWERFUL free resource that goes with the episode, providing you with additional education and empowering you to take action on what you’ve just learned.
Since in this episode we're talking about a little known bone fact, we want to give you additional information on the 6 Surprising Misconceptions About Bone Health (and why it matters).
After going through
these Misconceptions, you’ll be empowered to make informed decisions about your
lifestyle to live the life you deserve & love!
What is a T-Score?
Your medical doctor may order a DEXA Scan as a screening tool or a DEXA Scan may be ordered if someone suffers a spontaneous/unexplained fracture.
A DEXA scan is essentially an x-ray that used to measure the bone density of two areas of weight-bearing in the body - the lumbar spine & the hips.
The purpose of a DEXA Scan is to check your bone density and compare your bone density in relation to normal. This comparison is converted into what is called a T-Score.
Because we reach Peak Bone Mass at the age of 30, a T-Score is your bone density compared to an average 30 year old female.
A T-Score is then used to diagnose either normal bone density, low bone density called Osteopenia, or Osteoporosis.
That diagnosis is then used to determine the necessity of intervention or treatment.
Because the average person will lose 1-3% of their bone density per year with no intervention, DEXA Scans are repeated every 2 years. (CLICK HERE for a refresher on the Natural Lifecycle of Bone!)
DEXA Scans will also be repeated to check the effectiveness of any intervention or treatment over the course of the previous 2 years.
Interpreting a T-Score
Let’s refer to the graph to help explain what is meant by a T-Score.
This number line representing the span of all possible T-Scores is just like a Stop Light – Green, Yellow, Red!
Range is from -1 and above
Range is from -1 to -2.5
Range if from -2.5 and below
What do the T-Score numbers mean?
The easiest way to think
about a T-Score is to envision that number very roughly as correlating to a percentage
of bone lost when comparing to an average 30 year old (remember Peak Bone Mass).
So, for example...
Your T-score is +1 meaning 10% better bone density than an average 30 year old
Green and Time for Prevention!
Your T-Score is -2.3 meaning 23% loss in bone density
Yellow - Low Bone Density - Time for Action!
Your T-Score is -3.3 meaning 33% loss in bone density
Red - Osteoporosis - Time for Serious Intervention!
T-Score...Why Does It Matter?
T-Scores are used to determine Osteoporosis and ultimately
your fracture risk in the weight-bearing bones – the spine & hips.
The less dense your bones are, the more fragile your bones are, and, in theory, the more prone to fracture.
Fractures in the spine or hip lead to a major decrease in quality of life and there is actually a 25% mortality rate within the 1st year of after a hip fracture.
Knowing your fracture risk is essential in determining intervention and treatment approaches.
One caveat of importance...DEXA Scans and the T-Score give us data regarding Bone Density. But does that tell us everything about fracture prevention?
The answer is No.
Fracture prevention is about total bone strength and is more than just bone density. Bone quality has to be considered as well.
BONE STRENGTH = BONE DENSITY + BONE QUALITY
Bone quality can be assessed with a series of bone marker tests. CLICK HERE for a more in depth discussion on Bone Quality.
Correlating your T-Scores and your bone markers tests together gives a much better assessment of fracture prevention - and the effectiveness of any intervention - than just T-Scores alone.
In Closing...
Hopefully, this training on how to interpret T-Scores and why it matters was valuable and you learned something new!
Always remember how important it is to know your T-score, along with your blood marker tests, and have a full picture of your fracture risk and prevention strategies.
The Osteogenic Loading program here at OsteoStrong helps stimulate new bone growth, leading to building healthy, flexible new bones. Improving T-Scores AND blood markers - reducing fracture risk on all levels!
Our members easily reach the threshold required to stimulate new bone growth and are always accompanied with a certified session coach to ensure safety, especially if you have low bone density or an osteoporosis diagnosis.
If you are interested in learning more about Osteogenic Loading at OsteoStrong, check out the FREE resources section below!
One final note, don't forget to grab the 6 Surprising Misconceptions of Bone Health (and Why It Matters).
After going through these Misconceptions, you'll be empowered to make informed decisions about your lifestyle to live the life you deserve & love!
You can download this FREE resource by clicking the yellow button below
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