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Transient Synovitis of the Hip

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Transient Synovitis of the Hip

(Irritable Hip, Toxic Synovitis)

Definition

Transient synovitis of the hip is short term pain and swelling of the hip joint.

Hip Bone and Local Musculature.

Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

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Causes

The cause of transient synovitis of the hip is not known.

Risk Factors

Transient synovitis of the hip is more common in children between who are between 3 and 8 years of age. It is also more common in boys.

Symptoms

Symptoms may be:

  • Sudden pain in the hip, groin, or thigh
  • Pain when putting weight on the side that has pain
  • Limping or avoiding walking and standing

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about the child's symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. This is often enough to make the diagnosis.

Treatment

Transient synovitis often goes away on its own in three to ten days. The goal will be to manage symptoms during this time. This can be done with rest and over the counter pain medicine.

Prevention

There are no current guidelines to prevent transient synovitis of the hip.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Cook PC. Transient synovitis, septic hip, and Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease: an approach to the correct diagnosis. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2014 Dec;61(6):1109-1118.
  • Toxic synovitis. Kids Health—Nemours Foundation website. Available at: http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/toxic-synovitis.html.
  • Transient synovitis of the hip. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/transient-synovitis-of-the-hip.
  • Transient synovitis of the hip. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/transient-synovitis-of-the-hip.html.

Contributors

  • Warren A. Bodine, DO, CAQSM
Last Updated:
2023-06-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.