From the Research
Transient synovitis of the hip should be treated with rest and pain management using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen at 10mg/kg/dose every 6-8 hours (maximum 600mg per dose) for 3-5 days, as this approach has been shown to shorten the duration of symptoms 1. The condition is a self-limiting inflammatory condition of the hip joint that primarily affects children between 3-10 years of age. Key aspects of management include:
- Limiting weight-bearing activities until symptoms improve, typically within 7-10 days
- Monitoring for fever, worsening pain, or inability to bear weight, as these may indicate a more serious condition like septic arthritis
- Using warm compresses applied to the hip for 15-20 minutes several times daily for additional comfort
- Recognizing that most cases resolve completely without long-term complications
- Understanding that the condition is thought to result from a viral infection triggering an inflammatory response in the hip joint, causing synovial fluid accumulation
- Utilizing clinical diagnosis, with ultrasound showing joint effusion, and blood tests typically revealing normal or slightly elevated inflammatory markers to distinguish it from more serious conditions 2, 3, 4 Once symptoms resolve, children can gradually return to normal activities without restrictions. It is crucial to differentiate transient synovitis from more urgent conditions like septic arthritis, using criteria such as the Kocher criteria and imaging studies like hip ultrasound 4.