Common Terms on a DEXA Scan Report

A DEXA report is full of scores and technical terms that can be confusing at first glance. The plain-English explanations below are a general guide to what they usually mean. They are not an interpretation of your own result — only your doctor or specialist can tell you what your report means for you and what, if anything, should be done about it.

- Bone mineral density (BMD) — the amount of mineral in your bone, the core measurement of the scan.

- T-score — how your bone density compares with that of a healthy young adult, given as a number of standard deviations.

- Z-score — how your bone density compares with others of your own age and sex.

- Normal — a T-score of −1.0 or above.

- Osteopenia (low bone mass) — a T-score between −1.0 and −2.5; bone is thinner than ideal but not yet osteoporosis.

- Osteoporosis — a T-score of −2.5 or below, indicating significantly weakened bone.

- Lumbar spine — one of the main sites measured, reported level by level (for example L1 to L4).

- Femoral neck / total hip — hip measurement sites, important for predicting fracture risk.

- Standard deviation (SD) — the statistical unit in which T- and Z-scores are expressed.

- FRAX — a tool that combines your scores with other factors to estimate the chance of fracture over ten years.

- Least significant change — the smallest real change between scans, used when comparing results over time.

- Degenerative change / artefact — arthritis, spurs or old fractures that can falsely raise a spinal reading.

- Trabecular bone score (TBS) — an extra measure of bone texture available on some machines.

The T-score is the headline number, but it is only part of the story: age-related changes such as spinal arthritis can artificially raise a spine reading, and the overall picture depends on the hip result, your history, and other risk factors. Understanding the terms helps you follow your report and discuss it with your specialist, who interprets the numbers in the context of your whole situation rather than in isolation.

• —National Osteoporosis Guideline Group (NOGG) — Clinical Guideline for the Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis
• —Royal Osteoporosis Society — Clinical Guidance
• —International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD) — Official Positions

This information is for general patient education and is not a substitute for an individual consultation. Always seek personalised advice from a qualified spinal specialist.