Week 3 - Transient Synovitis of the Hip

Question 1

what is transient synovitis of the hip?

Answer 1

a self limiting inflammation of the synovium of a joint, most commonly the hip

Question 2

what causes transient synovitis of the hip?

Answer 2

often occurs after URTI (viral)

can be idiopathic

Question 3

how does it most commonly affect?

Answer 3

boys age 2-10

Question 4

what is the most common cause of hip pain in childhood?

Answer 4

transient synovitis of the hip

- excluding septic/rheumatoid arthritis and perthes disease

Question 5

how transient synovitis of the hip present?

Answer 5

limp
reduction to bear weight on that side
can have restricted movement
may have low grade fever but not systemically unwell or septic

Question 6

how can transient synovitis be distinguished from perthes disease and septic arthritis?

Answer 6

perthes - radiography

septic - normal CRP and lower grade presentation

Question 7

how can transient synovitis be investigated?

Answer 7

CRP
aspiration of the joint or open surgical drainage
MRI - to rule out osteomyelitis

Question 8

how is transient synovitis treated?

Answer 8

short NSAID course
rest
usually resolves within a few weeks