What clinical significance does a DEXA score of -1 indicate?

A DEXA score, or dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry score, helps evaluate bone mineral density and is typically reported as a T-score relative to a healthy 30-year-old adult. A T-score of -1 indicates that the person's bone density is within one standard deviation of the average bone density for a healthy young adult. This range is classified as normal bone density.

Normal bone density suggests that the individual is at a standard level of bone strength and does not have a significantly increased risk of fractures as seen in individuals with lower T-scores. Hence, a score of -1 does not trigger concerns associated with osteoporosis or increased fracture risk, which would be represented by lower scores. Thus, a DEXA score of -1 indicates normal bone density.