Transient Hip Osteoporosis

Transient osteoporosis of the hip is a self-limiting condition that causes temporary bone loss in the head and neck of the hip, causing hip pain and difficulty walking.

Why Does Transient Hip Osteoporosis Occur?

Although the exact cause is unknown, increased intraosseous pressure occurs when the functions of intraosseous veins are impaired.

What Are the Risk Factors for Transient Hip Osteoporosis?

• It is 3 times more common in men than women.
• It usually affects men aged 40-55 years.
• It can be seen in women in the last 3 months of pregnancy.
• It is usually unilateral.
• It has been shown to be more common in alcohol use, steroid drug use, low vitamin D level, and some metabolic diseases.

What Are the Symptoms of Transient Hip Osteoporosis?

• Pain in the hip, groin, anterior thigh, lasting for weeks
• Difficulty weight beaaring while walking
• Restriction of hip movements may be observed.
• Pain decreases with rest.

How Is Transient Hip Osteoporosis Diagnosed?

The patient's risk factors and complaints are evaluated and a physical examination is performed. The diagnosis is usually made after exclusion of other causes of hip pain, such as stress fracture, avascular necrosis, infection and cancer. Usually, the first examination to be requested is x-ray, but it does not give enough information to diagnose transient osteoporosis. MRI gives very valuable information and should be taken for diagnosis. On MRI, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish transient hip osteoporosis from the early stage of avascular necrosis of the hip.

Treatment of Transient Osteoporosis of the Hip

This disease usually heals spontaneously within 6-8 months. In painful periods, it is necessary not to burden the side with the use of crutches. Otherwise, a fracture may occur in the weakened bone or it may progress to avascular necrosis.

Painkillers can be used to reduce pain. Bisphosphonates, calcitonin or teriparatide used in osteoporosis have been reported as a useful approach to reduce recovery time.