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Transient Synovitis of the Hip

(Irritable Hip, Toxic Synovitis)

Tran-zee-ent Sin-o-vi-tiss of the Hip
by Cynthia M. Johnson, MA

Definition

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

Hip Bone and Local Musculature

Abdominal muscle and pelvis
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Causes

The cause is not known.

Risk Factors

Transient synovitis of the hip is more common in children between the ages of 3 and 8. 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
  • Problems walking and standing

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your child’s symptoms and health history. 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. Medicine can help to ease pain.

Prevention

There is no known way to prevent this health problem. The cause is not known.

RESOURCES:

Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
http://www.familydoctor.org
Kids Health—Nemours Foundation
http://www.kidshealth.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Paediatric Society
http://www.cps.ca
Health Canada
http://www.canada.ca

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:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Updated September 2017. Accessed September 30, 2019.
Transient synovitis of the hip. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/transient-synovitis-of-the-hip. Updated November 2, 2016. Accessed September 30, 2019.
Transient synovitis of the hip. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Updated May 23, 2019. Accessed September 30, 2019.
Last reviewed September 2019 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Warren A. Bodine, DO, CAQSM
Last Updated: 4/24/2020