What is transient osteoporosis of the hip?
Transient osteoporosis of the hip is a condition that occurs for unknown reasons. The condition is characterized by spontaneous onset of hip pain associated with X-Ray evidence of osteoporosis of the hip. Transient osteoporosis of the hip usually resolves on its own within six months to a year.
Who is affected by transient osteoporosis of the hip?
Transient osteoporosis of the hip is usually seen in middle-aged men and in women in their third trimester of pregnancy. It is not understood exactly why these groups of patients are affected by transient osteoporosis of the hip.
What are the symptoms of transient osteoporosis of the hip?
The primary symptom of transient osteoporosis of the hip, as mentioned previously, is spontaneous onset of hip pain. Pain may be experienced in the groin, buttock, or thigh regions. Usually the symptoms are worse with weight-bearing activities. Pain tends to increase for a period of several months, and then gradually lessen with time.
How is the diagnosis of transient osteoporosis of the hip made?
When the clinical symptoms raise suspicion of transient osteoporosis of the hip, an X-Ray will be obtained. The X-Ray will show osteoporosis of the femoral head (the ball of the ball-and-socket hip joint), which means the bone is less dense than normal. If this is seen, a MRI may also be obtained to look for the characteristic evidence of transient osteoporosis within this region. The MRI and X-Ray can also be helpful to distinguish between other conditions which may have similar symptoms such as arthritis of the hip, avascular necrosis of the hip, or a femoral neck stress fracture.
What is the treatment for transient osteoporosis of the hip?
Because the condition resolves within about 6 to 12 months on its own, treatment of transient osteoporosis of the hip is aimed to decrease pain and prevent fracture. Because the bone is unusually thin in the affected area, there is a risk of hip fracture, which is the most feared complication of this condition. Crutches or a walker may be used to decrease the chance of a fracture, and medications may be given to control pain.
