Transient synovitis as a cause of painful limps in children

Curr Opin Pediatr. 2000 Feb;12(1):48-51. doi: 10.1097/00008480-200002000-00010.

Abstract

Transient synovitis of the hip is one of the most common causes of hip pain and limp in young children. Its cause is still largely unknown, but its natural history is that of a self-limiting disorder with no residual sequelae, although recurrences are possible. Because this benign condition is similar to more significant disorders, such as septic arthritis, the diagnosis should remain one of exclusion. Once transient synovitis is diagnosed, treatment consists of rest, anti-inflammatory agents, and a tincture of time.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Arthritis, Infectious / diagnosis
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Gait
  • Hip Joint / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Pain / drug therapy
  • Pain / etiology
  • Recurrence
  • Sex Factors
  • Synovitis* / complications
  • Synovitis* / diagnosis
  • Synovitis* / therapy
  • Ultrasonography

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents