Transient synovitis of the hip joint is a condition that occurs in childhood causing hip pain. The cause of transient synovitis is not well understood, but it may be related to a viral illness of the child. Transient synovitis tends to occur in young children, between the ages of 2 and 9 years old.
What are the symptoms of transient synovitis of the hip?
Transient synovitis causes inflammation and pain around the hip joint. The symptoms tend to begin quickly over 1 to 3 days, and usually resolve over the next several days. The following symptoms are common in children with transient synovitis of the hip:
- Pain with movement of the hip
- Hip and knee pain
- Difficulty walking or a limp
- Holding the hip flexed and rotated
- Fever
How is the diagnosis of hip synovitis made?
Again, the most important part of the diagnosis is to ensure this is not a bacterial infection within the hip joint. Blood work can be done to assess for markers of infection and inflammation. Unfortunately, the results of these studies can be similar in both synovitis and infection. In some patients, a needle will be inserted into the hip joint to assess the fluid within the joint. Patients with bacterial infection in the hip joint will have pus in the joint. These children will have surgery to clean out the infection.
In many children who are suspected to have transient synovitis, a period of observation in the hospital or emergency room is sufficient to make the diagnosis. Children who have a bacterial infection tend to rapidly worsen, while children with synovitis steadily improve. Therefore, just watching the child closely for a period of time is often sufficient to make the diagnosis of synovitis.
What is the treatment for hip synovitis?
If the diagnosis is transient synovitis, the most important aspect of treatment is time. Some mild anti-inflammatory medication can help to alleviate pain, and rest for a few days will help as well. The child should be watched by a parent or responsible caregiver to ensure their condition does not worsen. In addition, regular temperature checks are important. Fevers should be reported to your doctor.
Children who have transient synovitis of the hip usually recover completely. Children with transient synovitis of the hip should follow-up with their doctor to ensure all of the symptoms have resolved.
