Osteoporosis is characterized by which of the following?

Osteoporosis is characterized by which of the following?

• A. Low bone density
• B. Normal bone density
• C. High bone density
• D. Increased bone formation

Answer: (A)

Osteoporosis is a condition where bone density is reduced, making bones porous and more fragile and increasing the risk of fractures. This low bone density best fits the condition, since normal density would not confer osteoporosis and high density or increased bone formation would point to other conditions. In practice, bone density is measured with a DEXA scan, and a T-score of -2.5 or lower defines osteoporosis, with -1 to -2.5 as osteopenia and above -1 as normal.

Osteoporosis is a condition where bone density is reduced, making bones porous and more fragile and increasing the risk of fractures. This low bone density best fits the condition, since normal density would not confer osteoporosis and high density or increased bone formation would point to other conditions. In practice, bone density is measured with a DEXA scan, and a T-score of -2.5 or lower defines osteoporosis, with -1 to -2.5 as osteopenia and above -1 as normal.