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Case Reports
. 2024 Dec 11;16(12):e75571.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.75571. eCollection 2024 Dec.

Transient Osteoporosis of the Hip: A Case Report

Affiliations
Case Reports

Transient Osteoporosis of the Hip: A Case Report

Asl Abu-Nayla et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Transient osteoporosis of the hip (TOH), also known as bone marrow edema (BME), is an uncommon condition of unknown etiology. While transient osteoporosis usually affects the hip, it could affect other joints as well. The most common presentation is pain and it has been linked to reduced bone mineral density. This self-limiting disease predominantly affects middle-aged men and pregnant women in their third trimester, presenting unique challenges in diagnosis and management. The exact cause of TOH remains uncertain, with theories suggesting vascular disruption, altered bone remodeling, and neurovascular influences as potential factors.

Keywords: avascular necrosis (avn); bone marrow edema; diagnosis; magnetic resonance imaging (mri); transient osteoporosis of the hip (toh).

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Conflict of interest statement

Human subjects: Consent for treatment and open access publication was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. X-ray of the pelvis in the anterior-posterior view
Both hip joints showed normal alignment and articular margins. Enthesopathy was seen at bilateral ischial tuberosities (blue arrow) and bilateral supraacetabular prominence (red arrow) was also seen
Figure 2
Figure 2. MRI of the pelvis showing normal right hip joint with bone marrow edema in the left acetabulum, femoral head, and neck
Red arrow: left hip joint effusion and edema in the femoral head, neck, and acetabulum MRI: magnetic resonance imaging
Figure 3
Figure 3. MRI showing left hip joint effusion
Red arrow: effusion seen in the left hip joint MRI: magnetic resonance imaging
Figure 4
Figure 4. X-ray of the lumbar spine showing degenerative disc changes at the lower lumbar discs
Red arrow: degenerative changes in the lower lumbar discs

References

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