Osteoporosis, Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Disorders

Osteopenia

Osteopenia is a condition in which bone mineral density decreases (BMD). This decrease of BMD, however, is not as severe as it is in osteoporosis. Osteopenia is a word used to describe bone density that isn't quite normal but not quite osteoporosis. According to the World Health Organization, osteopenia is defined as a T score of -1 to -2.5 on bone densitometry. Osteopenia is frequently referred to be a severe precursor to the development of osteoporosis. This is not always the case; someone might be diagnosed with osteopenia but not necessarily develop osteoporosis. With this in mind, osteopenia should be regarded as a serious risk factor for the development of osteoporosis and treated accordinglya