From the Research
Transient synovitis of the hip in children typically resolves within 3-10 days with appropriate management, with most cases improving within the first week. The condition is a self-limiting inflammatory disorder affecting the hip joint, most commonly seen in children aged 3-8 years, often following a viral illness 1. The inflammation causes joint irritation and effusion, leading to pain and limited range of motion, but permanent joint damage does not occur.
Key Considerations
- Treatment primarily consists of rest and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (10 mg/kg/dose every 6-8 hours) or naproxen (5-7 mg/kg/dose twice daily) to reduce inflammation and manage pain 2.
- Children should limit weight-bearing activities until symptoms improve, but complete bed rest is not necessary.
- Parents should monitor for fever or worsening pain, which could indicate a more serious condition like septic arthritis.
- The recurrence rate of transient synovitis ranges from 0-26.3%, and children with symptoms persisting for over one month are more prone to develop other hip pathology, such as Legg-Perthes' disease 1.
Clinical Course and Follow-Up
- Almost all children with transient synovitis are symptom-free at two-week follow-up 1.
- Long-term follow-up is essential to monitor for potential complications, such as Legg-Perthes' disease, which occurs in 0-10% of children diagnosed with transient synovitis 1.
- Children with transient synovitis should be followed at least six months to increase the likelihood of not missing Legg-Perthes' disease 1.