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[Transient osteopenia of the hip in children]
1Klinika Chirurgii Dzieciecej, Polsko-Amerykański Instytut Pediatrii Wydziału Lekarskiego UJ w Krakowie.
Insights
Transient osteopenia of the hip in boys typically presents with exertion pain and limping. Treatment involving weight-bearing restriction and exercises effectively resolves symptoms within three months.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Pediatric Radiology
Background:
- Transient osteopenia of the hip is a rare condition affecting children.
- It can cause significant pain and mobility issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the clinical course and treatment outcomes for boys diagnosed with transient osteopenia of the hip.
Main Methods:
- Case series of 4 boys with transient osteopenia of the hip.
- Clinical evaluation including physical examination, radiography, CT scans, and bone scans.
- Treatment involved weight-bearing restriction and physical therapy.
Main Results:
- Patients presented with exertion-induced pain and limping.
- Common findings included quadriceps atrophy and restricted hip rotation.
- Radiography and CT revealed osteopenia in the femoral neck and head.
- Symptoms resolved within 3 months with conservative management.
Conclusions:
- Transient osteopenia of the hip in boys is a self-limiting condition.
- Conservative management, including weight-bearing restriction and exercises, is effective for symptom resolution.
Abstract:
The course and results of treatment of 4 boys with transient osteopenia of the hip are presented. Mean age of patients at the onset of symptoms was 9 years 5 months (range 5 years 3 months-14 years 6 months). Pain at exertion and limp dominated in all cases. Quadriceps atrophy was a constant finding and hip rotation was restricted in 3 cases. Laboratory findings were normal except for the elevated ESR. Radiography and CT showed diffused osteopenia within femoral neck and head. Bone scan was abnormal in 3 cases. Weight bearing restriction and exercises introduction resulted in ceasing of the symptoms within 3 months.
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