Transient osteoporosis of the hip: A Case report

Transient osteoporosis of the hip (TOH) is a rare, self-limiting condition of unknown aetiology characterised by sudden onset pain without trauma, primarily affecting middle-aged men, and women in the third trimester of pregnancy. Patients typically present with a limping gait. MRI is the imaging modality of choice and reveals focal bone marrow oedema, joint effusion and preserved joint space. TOH must be differentiated from avascular necrosis due to the different associated treatment strategies. A case of TOH is described in a healthy 65 year old man including clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, pathophysiological considerations, imaging studies and management.