TRANSIENT OSTEOPOROSIS OF THE HIP IN PREGNANCY

Transient osteoporosis of the hip (TOH) is an uncommon condition. This painful regional osteoporosis affects previously healthy women in the third trimester of pregnancy. It is characterized by pain in the affe cted hip and pronounced osteopenia of the femoral head and neck. It ha s a relatively short clinical course (average 6 months) and a predicta bly benign prognosis. Complete clinical and radiological recovery is t he rule. The diagnosis is one of exclusion. The cause of the osteopeni a is not known, although various aetiological factors have been implic ated. A case of TOH occurring in the third trimester of pregnancy with complete recovery within 6 months postpartum is presented.