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Bilateral Transient Osteoporosis of the Hip in Pregnancy: Diagnostic Challenges, MRI-Based Approach, and
Pavol Zubor1,2, Kristen Olav Lind1, Jozef Visnovsky3,4
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nordland Hospital Trust, Vesterålen Hospital, 8450 Stokmarknes, Norway.
Background:
Pregnancy-related transient osteoporosis of the hip (PR-TOH) is an uncommon and frequently underdiagnosed condition that typically presents with acute hip pain during late pregnancy or the early postpartum period. Because its clinical presentation is nonspecific and overlaps with pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain, the diagnosis is often delayed, and the initial management is suboptimal. Although bilateral involvement has been reported, comparative data on diagnostic work-up, multidisciplinary management, and follow-up remain limited.
Case Presentation:
We report a case of bilateral PR-TOH in a 35-year-old Caucasian primigravida (G1, P0) who presented at 31 + 6 weeks of gestation with progressively worsening bilateral hip pain that culminated in severe functional impairment and wheelchair dependence. Initial ultrasound, laboratory work-up, and rheumatological screening were inconclusive, and intra-articular corticosteroid injections failed to relieve symptoms and were temporally associated with deterioration of glycaemic control and a periorbital and palmar eczematous rash. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated diffuse bone marrow oedema in both femoral heads with preserved articular cartilage and no evidence of avascular necrosis, supporting a diagnosis of bilateral PR-TOH. Postpartum dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) confirmed reduced bone mineral density at both femoral necks (Z-scores below -2.0). Pregnancy was prolonged until 37 + 4 weeks, and delivery was by elective caesarean section. Postpartum care included analgesia, calcium and vitamin D supplementation, structured physiotherapy, and a graded weight-bearing rehabilitation programme. Bone mineral density improved markedly on follow-up DXA at six months, with complete clinical recovery and no further imaging abnormalities at 12, 24, and 30 months.
Conclusions:
PR-TOH should be considered in pregnant or postpartum women with persistent hip pain and progressive functional limitation. MRI is the key imaging modality for early diagnosis and for excluding alternative causes, whereas DXA remains the reference standard for quantifying bone mineral density and monitoring recovery. Bilateral presentations require a multidisciplinary, individualised approach that addresses both maternal and obstetric outcomes.
