[Transient osteoporosis of the hip. Presentation of a case and literature review]


Published online: Mar 27 1996

M Leyes Vence, F J Arriola Guenaga, and J R Valentí Nín.

Dpto. de Cirugía Ortopedica y Traumatología, Clínica Universitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Espagne.

Abstract

We present a case of idiopathic transient osteoporosis of the hip in a 43 year-old male. The patient presented with pain in the hip and limb. Hip x ray showed osteoporosis and scintigraphy revealed a diffuse uptake in the femoral head. Magnetic resonance imaging showed decreased signal intensity on the T1 weighted images and increased signal intensity on T2 weighted images in the femoral head and neck. Blood tests were normal. Healing was achieved by restricting weight-bearing and administering calcitonin and calcium. Radiographic remineralization occurred simultaneously with clinical resolution.