Z-score

A Z-score, also known as a standard score, is a statistical measurement that indicates how many standard deviations a data point is from the mean. In medicine, specifically concerning metabolic bone diseases, Z-scores are used to assess bone density. A Z-score of 0 represents the average bone density for a person's age, sex, and genetic background. Low Z-scores in bone density measurements are linked to a higher risk of fractures. The formula for calculating a Z-score is (z = (x - \bar{x}) / s), where (x) is the data value, (\bar{x}) is the sample mean, and (s) is the sample standard deviation.123