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OVERVIEW

What is transient synovitis of the hip?

Transient synovitis of the hip, also called toxic synovitis, is an inflammation and swelling of the tissues around the hip joint. Usually only one hip is affected. This condition is called “transient” because it lasts only a short time. Transient synovitis of the hip is the most common cause of sudden hip pain in children.

Transient synovitis of the hip usually occurs in children between 3 and 10 years of age. Sometimes it occurs in children younger than 3 years of age. It is more common in boys than in girls.

SYMPTOMS

What are the symptoms of transient synovitis of the hip?

The main symptom is pain in the hip. In some children, the hip pain gets worse very quickly. In other children, the hip pain gets worse slowly. At first, the hip pain may be so mild that they don’t know there is something wrong. When the pain gets bad enough, children who have transient synovitis have a hard time walking. If your child has transient synovitis of the hip, they may have pain whenever the hip is moved. Your child may walk with a limp.

Because of the pain, your child may have trouble standing. Some children may have pain of the inner thigh or knee area, instead of around the hip. Many children who have this condition want to lie on their back with the knee on the side that hurts bent and turned out with their foot pointed away from their body. This position may lessen the pain.

CAUSES & RISK FACTORS

What is the cause of transient synovitis of the hip?

Healthcare professionals don’t know the exact cause of transient synovitis of the hip. It might be caused by a virus or it might be from an allergic reaction to an infection somewhere else in the body.

DIAGNOSIS & TESTS

How will my healthcare provider be able to tell that my child has transient synovitis of the hip?

Your healthcare provider will look at your child’s hip to find out what kind of movement makes the pain worse. Your healthcare provider may order blood tests and X-rays. These tests will help your healthcare provider make sure that the cause of hip pain isn’t caused by something more serious.

TREATMENT

How is transient synovitis of the hip treated?

Rest at home is the most important way to help your child’s hip get better. Your child may need to take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine, such as ibuprofen (brand names: Advil, Motrin), to reduce the swelling and inflammation around the hip joint.

Your child’s healthcare provider will probably ask you to take your child’s temperature regularly and to report any temperature higher than 37.5°C (99.5°F). A fever may mean that your child has a problem other than hip synovitis. To make sure that your child is doing well, your healthcare provider may want to recheck your child 12 to 24 hours after the first visit.

With rest and medicine, your child’s hip will probably get better in 3 or 4 days. After the pain leaves, your child can resume their usual activities. In most children, there are no complications from transient synovitis of the hip. They recover completely. To make sure everything is all right, your healthcare provider may want to take another X-ray of your child’s hip in about 6 months.

What if the hip pain doesn’t get better?

If the pain is still bad after 10 days, your child should be rechecked by your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider may order some tests to make sure there isn’t something else wrong with your child’s hip.

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER

• What is the likely cause of my child’s hip pain?
• What is the best treatment option?
• Do I need to take my child’s temperature on a regular basis? What should I do if my child develops a fever?
• How long before my child can expect relief from their pain?
• Is there anything I can do at home to help relieve my child’s pain?
• Is it possible that my child’s symptoms could return?
• Is it safe for my child to exercise? What kind of exercises are ok?