Thank you

Mary

Thank you for your post asking for an explanation of your dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan results and for information on the treatment your doctor has recommended.

Assessment of bone density provides useful information because low bone density has been linked to an increased risk of fracture. However the bone density measurements themselves will not show if you have had fractures but a Vertebral Fracture Assessment (VFA) during the scan will do if it is requested.

A T score of -2.5 (-2.5 standard deviations below the young adult average) is the point at which osteoporosis is diagnosed in relation to bone density.  However there is more to our risk of breaking a bone than just low bone density and factors such as age, body size, history of broken bones, medical and family history are also very significant. A more detailed explanation of DXA scans can be found in the charity’s leaflet “Scans and tests” which can be accessed by clicking the following link http://www.nos.org.uk/~/document.doc?id=388. More on risk factors can be found in section 3 of the “All about osteoporosis” booklet http://77.86.16.98/~/document.doc?id=380 

  Treatments for osteoporosis aim to reduce the risk of such fractures occurring and risedronate will be recommended if your risk of breaking a bone is raised. It can be worrying to hear or read about side effects. However, all medications have side effects associated with them but the majority of patients who take risedronate do tolerate it well without experiencing problems. For those who have side effects alternative treatments are available. More information on possible side effects of treatments and calcium supplements can be found in the “Drug treatments” leaflet http://www.nos.org.uk/~/document.doc?id=385   

I hope you will find this information useful.  
 


Best wishes

Helpline Nurses
National Osteoporosis Society

total hip.-0.8 +0.1

total spine -2.1 -0.7

 t score less than -2.0

does that mean im osteoporosis . this was found after fractured wrist and major hip pain ive had for years ?

[b]lynn

Thanks for your post asking if your bone density results are in the osteoporosis range. I’m sorry to hear that you’ve been having a lot of pain in your hip.

It looks like the 1st numbers you’ve provided are the T scores and the 2nd numbers are the Z scores. The T score is the difference between your bone density results and a reference range of a young healthy adult’s bone density. This is used in the diagnosis of osteoporosis when these results have been obtained from a DXA (dual energy x-ray absorptiometry) scan. More information on DXA scanning, T scores and  Z scores is in the charity’s leaflet ‘Scans and tests and osteoporosis’ – click the following link to view: http://77.86.16.98/~/document.doc?id=388.

Your total hip T score of -0.8 is in the normal range. The total hip result is the average of all the bone density measurements taken of the hip. The T score results for your spine and neck of femur (which is the bridge of bone between the thigh bone (femur) and the hip joint) are in the osteopenia range, which means that bone density is below average but not low enough to be classed as osteoporosis. A T score of  -2.5 or lower is in the osteoporosis range but none of your results are in this range.

Bone density measurements, however, are not a perfect reflection of bone strength as other factors (such as age, genetic and medical history and lifestyle) also affect fracture risk – see section 3 in the booklet ‘All about osteoporosis'. Click this link to read: http://77.86.16.98/~/document.doc?id=380. You’ve mentioned that you’ve broken your wrist. If this happened with a low trauma fall (such as from a standing height) this may be a sign that the bone was not as strong as it should be, even though your bone density results are not actually low enough to be in the osteoporosis range. Whether your doctor might recommend an osteoporosis drug treatment to reduce your risk of further fractures would depend on an assessment of your fracture risk, and your bone density results form one part of that assessment.

Hip pain can be unpleasant and disabling. However, this would not be caused by low bone density as it does not cause any pain or symptoms unless a bone has broken, and it would be very unlikely that you had broken your hip without knowing.

Best wishes

Helpline Nurses
National Osteoporosis Society