Osteopenia
Osteopenia means bone density is lower than normal but not low enough to be classified as osteoporosis.
When to get help quickly: The condition itself is not usually urgent, but prompt review is sensible after a low-impact fracture or if there is sudden back pain that may mean a bone has weakened or collapsed.
Common symptoms
Osteopenia usually causes no symptoms by itself and is often found on a bone density test or when a scan suggests reduced bone strength.
When imaging helps
Imaging helps show whether bone density is lower than expected and whether there are early signs of fragility or fractures that might need follow-up.
What radiology does
Bone density testing and imaging can help identify reduced bone strength and fracture risk.
What usually happens next
Management may include exercise, calcium and vitamin D review, risk-factor control, and monitoring or medicines in selected cases.
Seen this on your report?
Your doctor or the radiologist who wrote it can tell you what it means for you.
Related scan guides
- DEXA: General FAQsDEXA, also called DXA or bone densitometry, is a low-dose X-ray test used to measure bone density. It helps doctors assess bone strength, screen for osteoporosis, and estimate fracture risk.
- DEXA Scan (Bone Density Test)A DEXA scan is a quick, painless, low-dose X-ray test used to measure bone density, usually in the hips and lower spine. It helps doctors assess bone strength and detect osteopenia or osteoporosis.
- DEXA After a FractureA broken bone from a minor fall after age 50 is a fragility fracture — a loud signal that bone strength is below normal. A DEXA scan after such a fracture is one of the most important investigations to prevent the next one.