Osteoporosis and osteopenia
Description
- Reduced bone mass + microarchitectural deterioration -> inc fragility
- Cortical thinning + inc cortical porosity
- Trabecular thinning + loss of connectivity (not recoverable by any drug)
- Bone is qualitatively normal - distinguishes from osteomalacia (defective mineralisation)
| T-score | |
|---|---|
| Normal | >= -1.0 |
| Osteopenia | -1.0 to -2.5 |
| Osteoporosis | <= -2.5 |
| Established/severe | <= -2.5 + minimal-trauma fracture |
- Minimal-trauma fracture after age 50 = osteoporosis regardless of T-score
- Most fragility fractures occur in the osteopenic range - absolute risk, not T-score, drives treatment
6 more sections, plus exam facts
Every note and exam fact is free for everyone until 9 November - just sign up.
Sign up free