[84] Transient Synovitis Flashcards

1
Q

What is transient synovitis?

A

A self-limiting condition where there is inflammation of the synovium of the capsule of the hip joint

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Is transient synovitis common?

A

Yes, it is the most common cause of acute hip pain in children

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What age does transient synovitis present?

A

2-12 years old

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is transient synovitis associated with?

A

It often follows, or is accompanied by, a viral infection

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is the underlying mechanism of transient synovitis?

A

There is non-specific inflammation and hypertrophy of the synovial membrane

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What gender is transient synovitis more common in?

A

Males

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

How does transient synovitis present?

A
  • Sudden onset of pain in hip, or limp
  • Decreased range of movement, particularly internal rotation
  • Referred pain to knee
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Is there pain at rest in transient synovitis?

A

No

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

How does the child appear systemically in transient synovitis?

A

They are afebrile or have a mild fever, and do not appear ill

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What is it important to differentiate from transient synovitis?

A

Early septic arthritis of the hip joint

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What should be done if there is any suspicion of septic arthritis of the hip joint?

A
  • Joint aspiration

- Blood cultures

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is the difference between transient synovitis and septic arthritis of the hip joint, in terms of fever?

A

Fever is mild/absent in transient synovitis, but moderate/high in septic arthritis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What is the difference between transient synovitis and septic arthritis of the hip joint, in terms of the child’s appearance?

A

The child often looks well in transient synovitis, but looks ill in septic arthritis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is the difference between transient synovitis and septic arthritis of the hip joint, in terms of examination of the hip?

A

In transient synovitis, the hip is comfortable at rest, with limited internal rotation and pain on movement.
In septic arthritis, the hip is held flexed, with severe pain at rest which is worse on any attempt to move the joint

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What is the difference between transient synovitis and septic arthritis of the hip joint, in terms of WCC?

A

WCC is normal in transient synovitis, may be raised in septic arthritis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What is the difference between transient synovitis and septic arthritis of the hip joint, in terms of CRP/ESR?

A

Normal or slightly raised in transient synovitis, raised in septic arthritis

17
Q

What kind of diagnosis is transient synovitis?

A

Diagnosis of exclusion

18
Q

When can a diagnosis of transient synovitis be made?

A

In the typical setting of pain or limp in a young child who is not generally unwell and has had no recent trauma

19
Q

What are the differential diagnoses of transient synovitis?

A
  • Septic arthritis
  • Trauma
  • Perthes disease
  • Slipped capital femoral epiphysis
20
Q

How is transient synovitis managed?

A

Rest and analgesia with NSAIDs

Rarely, skin traction will be used

21
Q

What is a potential complication of transient synovitis?

A

Perthes disease

22
Q

What % of children with transient synovitis will get Perthes disease?

A

Approx 3%