Similarity in sequential bilateral transient osteoporosis of the hip

Abstract

Case: Three middle-aged men with habitual drinking developed unilateral hip pain and were referred for osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Radiographs showed osteopenia, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed diffuse bone marrow edema (BME). After several months, the patients’ symptoms resolved and radiographic images normalized. More than 6 months later, the contralateral side showed the same clinical course. Conclusion: Transient osteoporosis of the hip (TOH) resembles ONFH but heals spontaneously. We report 3 rare cases of sequential TOH, similar in that they occurred in middle-aged male habitual drinkers at risk for ONFH, characterized by diffuse BME on MRI and radiographic resolution.