This is also called:

Effusion of the hip joint of unknown cause that resolves by itself leaving no damage.

How common is it?

It is the most common cause of hip pain in children. It affects 2 to 3% of children aged 3-10 years of age. It is more common in boys, to the extent that for each girl, there are three or four boys affected.

What are the main symptoms?

Hip pain and a limp. Hip pain may be present as pain in the groin, upper thigh, or occasionally, in the knee. The pain usually comes on suddenly. The most common first sign is a child who awakens with a limp or who refuses to walk.

How is it diagnosed?

A physical examination will reveal a limp with decreased and painful hip motion. In 5% of the cases both hips are affected. X-rays are normal, so are usually not performed.

Therapy

The basis of treatment is rest, which should be proportionate to the degree of pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are of help to decrease pain. In very severe episodes, traction of the leg may be used. The condition usually resolves without therapy after an average of six to eight days

Prognosis (predicted outcome and course of the disease) Full recovery is achieved in more than 99% of children. It is not uncommon to develop subsequent episodes of transient synovitis, usually milder and shorter than the first.

Join our E-zine and get our Arthritis Newsletter.