What estimates of bone loss and fracture risk can be made from BMD measurement by DXA?
| T-score | % Bone Loss a | Fracture Risk |
|---|---|---|
| –1 | 12 | 2 times increased |
| –2 | 24 | 4 times |
| –3 | 36 | 8 times |
| –4 | 48 | 16 times |
a Note that one has to lose 30% of BMD to see osteopenia on a routine radiograph; this degree of loss suggests a T-score of –2.5.
Pearl: An older patient is more likely to fracture than a younger individual with the exact same T score.
