DEXA

Question 1

What does the T score represent in a DEXA scan?

What does Z score represent?

Answer 1

T score: based on bone mass of young reference population

T score of -1.0 means bone mass of one standard deviation below that of young reference population

Z score is adjusted for age, gender and ethnic factors

Question 2

What do the different results of a DEXA scan mean?

Answer 2

> -1.0 = normal

-1.0 to -2.5 = osteopaenia

< -2.5 = osteoporosis

Question 3

What are the treatments for the different DEXA scan scores?

Answer 3

1. More than 0 - reassure
2. between 0 and -1.5 repeat bone scan in 1-3 years
3. less than -1.5 - offer bone protection
   
   • Alendronate
   • Calcium
   • Vitamin D