What Is Irritable Hip (Acute Transient Synovitis)? What Causes Irritable Hip?

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Main Category: Bones / Orthopedics
Also Included In: Pediatrics / Children's Health;  Pain / Anesthetics
Article Date: 07 Oct 2009 - 9:00 PDT

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Irritable hip, also known as acute transient synovitis is a common cause of hip pain and limping in children. The tissues around the hip joint swell. In most cases just one hip is affected. Irritable hip occurs in children before puberty. Boys are affected two to four times as often as girls. It commonly occurs about two weeks after a viral illness, especially of the upper respiratory tract.

According the Medilexicon's medical dictionary:

synovitis is: Inflammation of a synovial membrane, especially that of a joint; in general, when unqualified, the same as arthritis.

Sometimes the child may experience pain that spreads from the hip to the groin, thigh and knee..

Experts do not know why it happens. It does not usually last long, hence the term transient. However, the symptoms of pain and limping may alarm parents and guardians.

What are the symptoms of irritable hip?

A symptom is something the patient senses and describes, while a sign is something other people, such as the doctor notice. For example, drowsiness may be a symptom while dilated pupils may be a sign.

Hip pain - of rapid onset (develops rapidly). Usually on one side of the hip. Pain may range from mild to severe.br>
Pain spreads - the pain may spread to the groin, thigh and knee on the affected side.

Limp - the symptoms of pain force many children to limp.

Abnormal crawling - infants may crawl in a strange way, because of the pain.

Abnormal crying - in small infants (small babies), caused by pain. May be more noticeable when changing diapers (UK: nappies).

A slight fever (less common) - if fever is high, it is likely the child has something else, possibly more serious.

What are the causes of irritable hip?

Experts are not sure what the cause is. The synovial membrane that surrounds the hip becomes inflamed (swollen).

In many cases the onset of symptoms was preceded by a viral infection, usually of the upper respiratory tract (a cold or sore throat). The viral infection typically occurred a couple of weeks beforehand.

A fall or an injury may also cause irritable hip to occur.

Perthes disease - the head of the femur deteriorates because of poor blood flow. This part of the femur is the ball in the ball-and-socket hip joint. Pethes disease can cause irritable hip.

Diagnosis of irritable hip

The doctor, usually a GP (general practitioner, primary care physician) will ask the child or parent/guardian about symptoms. This will be followed by a physical examination.

The following diagnostic tests may be ordered:

X-ray

Blood test - to determine whether there is an infection.

Imaging scan - to detect or rule out other more serious conditions or infections.

What is the treatment for irritable hip?

In the vast majority of cases the problem will resolve within a few weeks. The doctor may recommend Tylenol (paracetamol) for pain. Do not give aspirin to children younger than 16.

The child may be put on a traction in hospital - the leg is kept rested by applying a pulling force to it.

In most cases the child will recover at home. It is important that they get plenty of rest.

Written by Christian Nordqvist
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today

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