Toxic synovitis is a condition affecting children that causes hip pain and limping.
Alternative Names
Synovitis - toxic; Transient synovitis
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Toxic synovitis occurs in children before puberty begins. It is a type of arthritis of the hip. Its cause is not known, but boys are affected more often than girls (approximately 4 to 1).
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
Hip pain (on one side only)
Limp
Thigh pain, in front and toward the middle of the thigh
Knee pain
Low-grade fever, less than 101° Fahrenheit
Aside from the hip discomfort, the child does not usually appear ill.
Signs and tests
Toxic synovitis is diagnosed when other, more serious conditions have been ruled out, such as:
Treatment often includes limiting activity to make the child more comfortable. However, there is no danger with performing normal activities. The health care provider may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) to reduce pain.
Expectations (prognosis)
The hip pain goes away within 7 - 10 days.
Complications
Toxic synovitis goes away on its own. There are no expected long-term complications.
Calling your health care provider
Call for an appointment with your child's health care provider if:
Your child has unexplained hip pain or a limp, with or without a fever
Your child has been diagnosed with toxic synovitis and the hip pain lasts for longer than 10 days, the pain gets worse, or a high fever develops
Review Date:
8/2/2011
Reviewed By:
Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
