What is Transient Synovitis?

Some parents are shocked to know that their child is experiencing pain in the hip. This sometimes make the parents panic unnecessarily. Transient synovitis is usually the common cause of the pain experienced by kids as young as 3 to 10 years old. This condition may complicate to arthralgia and arthritis. But sometimes this also occurs if the child had sore throat or had a flu recently. If this is the case, there is no need to worry.

Transient synovitis is the condition wherein the synovial membrane, especially those that are in the joint, are inflamed. Reasons of the inflammation are sometimes viral or bacterial. It may also be a symptom of an underlying disease like Legg-Calve-Perthes (LCP) disease. LCP is a condition where the bone in the thigh softens and grows back irregularly. Transient synovitis can also be a complication of a type of childhood arthritis. Sometimes, the reason can be unknown or simply a result of sore throat or flu.

Symptoms of transient synovitis include pain in the hip area. The pain is often spread in the thigh, groin and knee. Because of the pain, walking, and even standing maybe restricted and uncomfortable. Because of this, the child may limp while walking.

The symptoms alone can be used to diagnose the transient synovitis. But since a painful hip can also be because of other disease process, additional tests may be requested to rule out other serious cases. If a blood test shows an increase in white blood cell count, then the reason may be viral or bacterial. Ultrasound provides visual image of the condition of the membrane in the affected hip joint. This is to give us an idea of the extent of the inflammation. An x-ray will also provide visual image of the bone and we can see f the bone growth is irregular therefore ruling out LCP.

To treat transient synovitis, apply heat and massage the affected area. If you are admitted to the hospital, traction may be used. Traction of the hip is usually 45 degree flexion. If you are just in the confinement of your home, then try to prevent putting weight on the affected hip or limb. Prevent activities while you are still experiencing pain. If possible, have a complete bed rest for 7 to 10 days or until you are able to move and walk. Non -steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be given along with analgesics for pain and anti-pyretic for fever.

Pain from transient synovitis usually goes away after 7 to 10 days. After that, the doctor may request for another x- ray to make sure that the inflammation has totally subsided. Sporty and active activities are not allowed until after 2 weeks of recovery. This is just for safety measure to make sure that the inflammation does not come back. The intensity of the activities should increase gradually to prevent the recurrence of transient synovitis. Swimming is advised to slowly start the joint moving again.