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Condition · Also: low bone mass

Osteopenia

Lower-than-normal bone density that is not yet in the osteoporosis range.

Lower-than-normal bone density that is not yet in the osteoporosis range.

Also known as: low bone mass

Osteopenia describes bone density that is below normal but not low enough to be classified as osteoporosis. It signals an increased future risk of bone loss.

It is identified on a DEXA scan by a T-score between roughly -1.0 and -2.5.

Related terms

Osteoporosis

A condition of weakened, porous bone that raises the risk of fractures.

Bone mineral density

A measure of the mineral content of bone, used to assess fracture risk.

T-score

A bone-density result comparing your bone to that of a healthy young adult.

DEXA scan

A low-dose X-ray test that measures bone mineral density.

Source

MedlinePlus: Osteoporosis

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