Transient synovitis of the hip joint is a condition that occurs in young children. The cause of transient synovitis is not well understood, but it is likely related to a viral illness of the child. Transient synovitis tends to occur in children younger than 11 years old.
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Symptoms of Transient Synovitis
Transient synovitis causes inflammation and pain around thehip 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:
Diagnosis of Transient Synovitis of the Hip
The most important part of the diagnosis is to ensure there is not a bacterial infection within the hip joint. Blood work can be done to assess for signs 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 a 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.
Treating Knee Synovitis Swelling and Pain
Treatment of 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.
Children who have transient synovitis of the hip usually recover completely. Children with transient synovitis of the hip should follow up with their healthcare provider to ensure all of the symptoms have resolved.
2 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Nouri A, Walmsley D, Pruszczynski B, Synder M.Transient synovitis of the hip: a comprehensive review.J Pediatr Orthop. 2014;23(1):32-36. doi:10.1097/BPB.0b013e328363b5a3Uzoigwe CE.Another look: is there a flaw to current hip septic arthritis diagnostic algorithms?Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2014;472(5):1645-1651. doi:10.1007/s11999-013-3142-0
2 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Nouri A, Walmsley D, Pruszczynski B, Synder M.Transient synovitis of the hip: a comprehensive review.J Pediatr Orthop. 2014;23(1):32-36. doi:10.1097/BPB.0b013e328363b5a3Uzoigwe CE.Another look: is there a flaw to current hip septic arthritis diagnostic algorithms?Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2014;472(5):1645-1651. doi:10.1007/s11999-013-3142-0
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Nouri A, Walmsley D, Pruszczynski B, Synder M.Transient synovitis of the hip: a comprehensive review.J Pediatr Orthop. 2014;23(1):32-36. doi:10.1097/BPB.0b013e328363b5a3Uzoigwe CE.Another look: is there a flaw to current hip septic arthritis diagnostic algorithms?Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2014;472(5):1645-1651. doi:10.1007/s11999-013-3142-0
Nouri A, Walmsley D, Pruszczynski B, Synder M.Transient synovitis of the hip: a comprehensive review.J Pediatr Orthop. 2014;23(1):32-36. doi:10.1097/BPB.0b013e328363b5a3
Uzoigwe CE.Another look: is there a flaw to current hip septic arthritis diagnostic algorithms?Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2014;472(5):1645-1651. doi:10.1007/s11999-013-3142-0
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