Pediatric transient synovitis of the hip (Pediatrics - PEDS)

The transient sinovitis of the hip is the most common cause of limp in childhood. It is an inflammation of the synovial membrane (layer which envelops the joint) of the hip. It usually involves only one hip. The cause is an inflammatory reaction of unknown origin. In most cases, a viral infection has occurred in the days prior to the limp (catarrh or intestinal episode). The most frequent symptoms are pain in the hip region, in the groin or in the frontal region of the thigh. The limp originates due to pain. In lactating infants or young children, the only symptom we might observe is that they do not want to get up or move. Low grade fever may occasionally appear, but high fever rarely does. The symptoms last 7-10 days, although sometimes they may last weeks. The diagnosis is clinical (based on the data of the medical history and physical examination of the patient). If there are diagnostic doubts or the clinical picture lasts for a long time or is very severe, performing radiological examinations may be necessary to rule out other pathologies. Treatment is based on rest and antiinflammatory drugs (generally Ibuprofen).