Transient Osteoporosis of the Hip

Transient Osteoporosis of the Hip is a rare disease that causes a transient decrease in bone density of the proximal part of the femur and occurs most often in:

Young and middle-aged men (30-60 years old)
Women during the last months of pregnancy or postpartum.

Patients suddenly experience hip pain that worsens with walking and gradually increases. Transient Osteoporosis of the Hip is a completely separate entity from the well-known Osteoporosis, which is a “silent” disease.

We must point out that:

‘As the disease progresses, the bone weakens and the risk of fracture increases!

Transient Osteoporosis of the Hip

Causes

Currently, the causes of Transient Osteoporosis are unknown. Factors that have been “incriminated” at times are:

Intra-osseous vascular occlusion
Hormonal disorders
Excessive mechanical loads

The main symptom is pain which:

Has a sudden onset
Worsens with walking and improves with rest
Limits the range of motion of the hip
Gradually increases over a period of weeks/months

Simple x-rays usually do not help until a fairly advanced stage (after 2-3 months).

Magnetic resonance imaging can detect bone changes much earlier as well as provide detailed images of the condition of the surrounding tissues.

Treatment

Transient Osteoporosis of the Hip is a self-limiting disease, meaning it resolves on its own. For this reason, treatment focuses on reducing symptoms and protecting the bone from possible fractures.

Analgesics-Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Avoiding lower limb loading (use of braces, etc.)
Physical therapy
Proper nutrition (Calcium, vitamin D)

Results

With the correct and timely diagnosis of the disease, we have complete remission of symptoms within 6-12 months. During this time, bone strength will return to normal levels.

In a small percentage of patients, Transient Osteoporosis of the Hip may recur in the same or the other hip.