Transient Synovitis

Question 1

describe what transient synovitis is

Answer 1

self-limiting inflammation of the synovium of the joint

Question 2

what joint does transient synovitis most commonly affect

Answer 2

the hip

most common cause hip pain in children

Question 3

when does transient synovitis commonly occur

Answer 3

shorty after an upper respiratory tract infection(usually viral)

Question 4

what group of people is transient synovitis usually seen in

Answer 4

typically between age of 2 and 10, and more common in boys

Question 5

what are some of the possible clinical features of transient synovitis

Answer 5

limp, reluctance to weight bear, restricted range of motion, low grade fever

Question 6

what other pathologies must be excluded in transient synovitis

Answer 6

septic, rheumatoid or juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Perthes disease

Question 7

how can Perthes disease and septic arthritis be excluded

Answer 7

Perthes = radiologically

septic arthritis = normal/near normal CRP

Question 8

what treatment can be used if there is any doubt over diagnosis

Answer 8

aspiration of hip under anaesthesia or open surgical drainage to limit cartilage damage by potential bacterial infection

Question 9

what treatment is given if all other causes been ruled out

Answer 9

short cause of NSAIDs and rest

Question 10

how long should transient synovitis take to resolve with treatment

Answer 10

few weeks, if longer then consider other pathology