Interpretation of Bone Mineral Density Results
Both your left hip and lumbar spine bone mineral density measurements are normal according to WHO criteria, indicating you do not have osteoporosis or osteopenia. 1
Understanding Your T-Scores
Your results demonstrate:
- Left hip: T-score of -0.8 (BMD: 0.755 g/cm²)
- Lumbar spine (L1-L4): T-score of -0.1 (BMD: 1.147 g/cm²)
Both T-scores are above -1.0, which definitively classifies your bone density as normal per WHO diagnostic criteria. 1, 2 The WHO establishes that normal bone mineral density requires a T-score ≥ -1.0 at any measured site. 1
WHO Classification Framework
The diagnostic categories are structured as follows:
- Normal bone density: T-score ≥ -1.0 1, 2
- Osteopenia (low bone mass): T-score between -1.0 and -2.5 1, 2
- Osteoporosis: T-score ≤ -2.5 1, 2
Your diagnostic classification is based on the lowest T-score among all measured sites, which in your case is -0.8 at the left hip—still well within the normal range. 1
Clinical Significance
No pharmacological treatment for osteoporosis is indicated with your current bone density measurements. 1 The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends pharmacologic treatment only for postmenopausal women and men >50 years with a T-score ≤ -2.5, or for those with osteopenia who have elevated fracture risk based on FRAX assessment. 1
Your fracture risk based on bone density alone is not elevated, as epidemiological studies demonstrate that fracture risk increases approximately two-fold for every standard deviation decrease below the young adult mean. 3 Your measurements are less than one standard deviation below this reference point. 3
Important Caveats
A fragility fracture would supersede these normal DXA measurements and establish an osteoporosis diagnosis regardless of T-score. 1, 2 If you experience a low-trauma fracture of the hip, spine, wrist, or proximal humerus after age 50, you should be reclassified as having osteoporosis even with normal bone density. 1
Degenerative changes in the lumbar spine can artificially elevate BMD measurements, potentially masking true bone loss. 1, 4 If you have significant facet joint osteoarthritis or spondylosis, the lumbar spine T-score may not accurately reflect your true bone health. 1
Recommended Management
Focus on non-pharmacological bone health maintenance: 4
- Weight-bearing exercise regimen 4
- Adequate calcium intake (1000-1200 mg/day) through diet or supplements 4, 5
- Vitamin D supplementation (800-1000 IU/day) 4, 5
- Smoking cessation and limited alcohol consumption 4
Repeat DXA screening intervals should follow standard guidelines based on your age, sex, and risk factors. 1 For women ≥65 years or men ≥70 years with normal baseline bone density, rescreening is typically recommended every 2-5 years, though specific timing should be determined by your clinical risk profile. 1