Transient osteoporosis of the hip is usually found in middle-aged men and in women in their third trimester of pregnancy. It is not understood why these groups of patients are affected by transient osteoporosis of the hip.
Symptoms of Transient Osteoporosis of the Hip
The primary symptom of transient osteoporosis of the hip is the spontaneous onset of hip pain. Pain may be experienced in the groin, buttock, or thigh. 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.Diagnosis of Transient Osteoporosis of the Hip
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, an 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.Treatment of Transient Osteoporosis of the Hip
Because transient osteoporosis of the hip resolves within about 6 to 12 months on its own, treatment is aimed to decrease pain and discomfort. Because the bone is unusually weak 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 stress on the bone. Pain medications can be helpful to reduce the discomfort associated with this condition. Recent studies have also shown some benefit of bisphosphonate medications used to treat osteoporosis.
Sources:
Anastasios V, et al. "Transient Osteoporosis" J. Am. Acad. Ortho. Surg., August 2008; 16: 480 - 489.
