Transient Osteoporosis of the Hip

Transient osteoporosis of the hip is an uncommon condition that causes temporary bone loss in the upper portion of the thighbone (femur).

People with transient osteoporosis of the hip will experience a sudden onset of pain that intensifies with walking or other weight-bearing activities. In many cases, the pain increases over time and may become disabling.

Painful symptoms gradually subside and usually end within 6 to 12 months. Bone strength in the hip also returns to normal in the majority of people.

Despite the name, transient osteoporosis of the hip is very different from the more common age-related osteoporosis. Age-related osteoporosis is a painless, progressive condition that leads to a weakening of the bones throughout the body.

Unlike transient osteoporosis, it can put people at greater long-term risk for fractures in different areas of the body.

Cause

Currently, there is no clear explanation for what causes this condition. Researchers are studying this disease and several theories have been proposed, although none are proven.

Some of the causes that have been suggested include:

  • Obstruction of some of the small blood vessels that surround the hip
  • Hormonal changes
  • Abnormal mechanical stresses on the bone

Symptoms

  • Sudden onset of pain, typically in the front of the thigh, the groin, the side of the hip, or the buttocks.
  • Pain that intensifies with weight bearing and may lessen with rest.
  • No previous accident or injury to the joint that would trigger pain.
  • Slightly limited motion: gentle hip motion is usually painless, but pain may intensify with extreme motions of the hip.
  • Pain that gradually increases over a period of weeks or months and may be so intense that it is disabling.
  • A noticeable limp as the patient tries to protect the joint and ease the pain.

Conditions

  • Arthritis of the Hip
  • Avascular Necrosis (Osteonecrosis)
  • Bursitis of the Hip
  • Degenerative Joint Disease
  • Femur Shaft Fracture
  • Hip Fracture
  • Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome
  • Gluteus Medius Tear
  • Inflammatory Arthritis of the Hip
  • Labral Tear of the Hip
  • Loose Bodies of the Hip
  • Muscle Strains of the Thigh
  • Snapping Hip
  • Strains of the Hip
  • Synovitis
  • Transient Osteoporosis of the Hip

Treatments

  • Bone Grafting of the Hip
  • Core Decompression of the Hip
  • Direct Anterior Hip Replacement
  • Femoroacetabular Impingement Surgery
  • Hip Arthroscopy
  • Minimally Invasive Hip Surgery
  • Posterior Total Hip Replacement – VERILAST
  • Revision Total Hip Replacement
  • Total Hip Replacement Surgery – VERILAST

Conservative Treatments

The Orthopedic physicians at Peninsula Bone & Joint Clinic provide conservative treatment options for Hip conditions and injuries.

Diagnosis

Physical Examination & Patient History

During your first visit, your doctor will talk to you about your symptoms and medical history. During the physical examination, your doctor will check all the structures of your injury, and compare them to your non-injured anatomy.  Most injuries can be diagnosed with a thorough physical examination.

Imaging Tests

Imaging Tests Other tests which may help your doctor confirm your diagnosis include:

X-rays. Although they will not show any injury, x-rays can show whether the injury is associated with a broken bone.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. If your injury requires an MRI, this study is utilized to create a better image of soft tissues injuries. However, an MRI may not be required for your particular injury circumstance and will be ordered based on a thorough examination by your Peninsula Bone & Joint Clinic Orthopedic physician.

Treatment Options

Non-Surgical

Because transient osteoporosis resolves on its own, treatment focuses on minimizing symptoms and preventing any damage to the bones while they are weakened by the disorder.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs). Drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen may relieve pain and inflammation.
Weight bearing restrictions. Your doctor may advise you to temporarily limit or completely eliminate weight-bearing activities.

Using crutches, a cane, a walker, or other walking aid, will help relieve the stress of weight bearing on the hip, and may prevent a fracture through the temporarily weakened bone.

Physical therapy. To help maintain strength and flexibility in the muscles supporting your hip, your doctor may also recommend a series of exercises that you can do as the pain subsides. Water exercises may be helpful not only because they ease movement, but also because they relieve weight bearing.

Nutrition. Proper nutrition, including Vitamin D and calcium, may help promote the healing process and rebuilding of bone.

Conservative Treatment Options

  • Non-Operative Hip Injury Treatments

Dr. Robert Detch ~ Orthopedic Surgeon

““I am dedicated to improving the lives of my patients and their families. With every orthopedic consult comes the opportunity to restore the important activities in the lives of my patients. Restoring a patient’s musculoskeletal function has such a powerful and dramatic affect on their lives. What I find especially rewarding are the most challenging cases, and especially when patients feel their lives will never be the same and through surgical care, I can give them the life that they want back to them again. As an extension of my service in the US Navy, I am additionally fortunate to have the opportunity to train Orthopaedic Residents in the Operating Room and treat injured and wounded veterans at our local Bay Area ~ VA Palo Alto and VA San Francisco Medical Centers. Remaining active in the restoring of daily activities in the lives of our wounded service members is one of the core focuses of my practice.”

Dr. Robert Detch is a board-certified, orthopedic surgeon specializing in Innovative Treatments for Knee & Hip Replacement procedures.

Treatment Highlights

VERILAST Hip Replacement Technology

Innovative Implant Design

Smith Nephew VERILAST hip replacement implant.

It’s important to remember that not every hip implant is the same. The Smith Nephew VERILAST Hip Technology is the one technology that directly addresses two of the most commonly cited concerns associated with hip replacement implants:

  • Implant Wear

  • Implant Fracture

Learn More

Peninsula Bone & Joint Clinic

The Orthopaedic physicians at Peninsula Bone & Joint Clinic provide comprehensive services to all members of the family.
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Disclaimer

The information found on this site is for general orthopedic purposes only. In a medical emergency please dial 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Room.