Information From Your Health Care Provider

TRANSIENT SYNOVITIS OF THE HIP

(Toxic Synovitis)

Basic information

description

Transient synovitis of the hip is inflammation (swelling and pain) of the tissues around the hip joint. It usually affects one hip, not both, and is a common cause of sudden hip pain in young children. It occurs more often in children ages 3 to 10, and most are boys. Transient is used to describe a condition that lasts a short time. Synovitis describes an inflamed joint in the body.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Mild or more severe pain in the hip. It may start quickly or come on slowly.
Some children may have pain in the inner thigh or knee area.
Difficulty walking or standing.
Walking with a limp.
Hip is tender to the touch.
Mild fever less than 101°F (38.3°C) may occur.

causes

The exact cause is unknown. A virus, an allergic reaction, or a minor injury may be involved.

risk increases with

Unknown.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

None known.

expected outcomes

The pain may start to improve within 24 to 48 hours, and is usually gone completely within 2 weeks. Some children may have minor pain for several weeks.
A few children may get the disorder again. If it does recur, it is usually within 6 months.

possible complications

Complications are rare, but may involve other problems with hip or thigh bones.

diagnosis & treatment

general measures

Your child's health care provider will do a physical exam with careful attention to the painful hip area. Medical tests may include blood studies, x-rays, and other tests. These are done to confirm the diagnosis and make sure that there is not another problem involved.
The main treatment is rest at home.
Check your child's temperature daily to see if high fever develops.

medications

Naproxen or ibuprofen may be prescribed for treating pain and inflammation.

activity

Limit activities until the pain symptoms are gone.

diet

No special diet.

notify our office if

Your child has symptoms of transient synovitis of the hip.
After diagnosis, your child develops a high fever, other symptoms get worse, or symptoms don't improve within 10 days.