In rebuttal: Osteopenia is a useful diagnosis.

Although we agree with some of Dr. Watts’ statements about the uses and misuses of bone mineral density testing and T scores, we emphatically disagree with his central argument, ie, that osteopenia is not useful as a diagnosis and can actually be harmful. (In fact, he says he is “on a personal crusade” to eliminate it from the lexicon.) Our concern is that his approach is not evidence-based, is not supported by recommendations and guidelines from professional societies, and, most importantly, might foster complacency and a do-nothing attitude toward a serious disease.