Radiologic case study. Transient migratory osteoporosis of the hip and knee.

Abstract

Transient migratory osteoporosis is a self-limited disorder characterized by gradual onset of pain over several weeks to months and usually accompanied by characteristic findings on plain radiographs, scintigraphy, and MRI. Transient osteoporosis invariably resolves with conservative management, and therefore it is important to distinguish this uncommon syndrome from other disorders such as osteonecrosis, osteomyelitis, or infiltrative neoplasms, which require aggressive management. An accurate diagnosis of transient bone marrow edema syndrome or transient osteoporosis would lead to appropriate conservative management without biopsy, as in the case presented here.