Osteoporosis - T Scores

[Arrods]

Mrs Arrods has an appointment (yes, an appointment) to see her GP about her bone density results.

In 2020, the readings were:
Lumbar spine T = -2.5 Z = -0.4
Left femoral T = -2.1 Z = -0.3
Right femoral T = -1.7 Z = -0.1

As such, it was stated she has osteoporosis in the lumbar area (presumably because of the -2.5 score?)

Her 2022 readings are as follows:

Lumbar spine T = -2.1 Z = 0.1
Left femoral T = -2.4 Z = - 0.5
Right femoral T = -1.9 Z = 0.0

We're confused. Do the current readings show an improvement in bone density? And, if so, would the diagnosis otherwise be osteopenia?

Would appreciate any help. Thank you.

[Sqad]

The bottom line....in 2020 your wife's tests showed Osteopenia, two years later it showed normal bone density, this cannot be.
Osteopenia doesn't get better.
One of the scans is wrong.
Ask your GP if you can have a bone profile blood tests to see if the change in bone density back to normal and is no big deal.

There are other rather rarer conditions which could explain the increase in density of the bone which a blood test could suggest.

[Arrods]

Thanks Sqad. Mrs Arrods bone density issues started following 10 years on Letrozole post breast cancer. Having now looked at the leaflet we were given, I am beginning to wonder whether, as you perhaps imply, the original diagnosis may have been incorrect i.e. it should have been osteopenia and not osteoporosis.

The leaflet states that T scores between -1 and -2.5 = osteopenia and T scores below -2.5 = osteoporosis. As the previous and current scores are between -1 and -2.5, one would have thought the diagnosis should have been osteopenia then and now.

Mrs Arrods is fit, goes to the gym, eats well and takes the prescribed tablets so one would like to think that the marginal improvement in bone density is possible.

Well take it up with the GP as you suggest. Thanks.

[Sqad]

My thoughts entirely.

[LadyCG]

You can have improvement in bone mineral density between scans which should never be done less than two years apart.

Is your wife on bisphosphonate or any other bone protection?

Also it's worthwhile remembering that T-scores can be artificially elevated by degenerative change.

[Arrods]

Thanks LadyCG. Her last bone scan was more than 2 years ago and she is, indeed, taking Alendronic Acid and Adcal-D3.

Bit worrying that T-scores can be artificially elevated. But, either way, is a score of T-2.5 on the margin? In other words, could someone have a score of T-2.6 or lower to signify a more adverse bone density reading?