What is
transient synovitis?
Transient synovitis (TS) is inflammation of
one or more joints that typically lasts 1 to 3 weeks. It can
affect any joint, but most commonly occurs in the hip. It is
sometimes called "toxic synovitis" or "postinfectious
arthritis." Sometimes children with TS will also have a skin
rash.
What causes
TS?
TS is most commonly caused by a viral
infection. It occasionally develops after getting a vaccine
or from taking some medicines. The viral infection, vaccine,
or medicine triggers a process that leads to an immune
response that affects the joints. The joints become inflamed
and begin to hurt. Sometimes the cause isn't known. Why some
children get TS and others don't is not well understood.
How is it
diagnosed?
Your health care provider will examine your
child's hip and may order blood tests and x-rays. These
tests will help make sure that the cause of hip pain isn't
something more serious than transient synovitis.
How should TS
be treated?
TS gets better with medicines that reduce
inflammation such as ibuprofen. Do not give aspirin to
children. Your health care provider can tell you how much
anti-inflammatory medicine you can safely give your child.
Rarely, other medicines such as oral steroids are used.
Ask your child's health care provider if
your child should reduce his or her activity level.
How long will
it last?
TS usually goes away completely in 1 to 3
weeks. It usually begins to improve once your child starts
taking anti-inflammatory medicine.
Very rarely blood vessels supplying the top
of the thighbone, can become blocked and damage the bone. If
this happens, your child's pain and limp will get worse
despite treatment. If your child has TS it does not mean
that he or she has a greater chance of having joint problems
like arthritis later in life.
When should I
call my child's health care provider?
Call during office hours if:
- your child develops increasing fever
or pain despite anti-inflammatory medicine
- the pain in the affected joint is not
getting better within 3 days of starting medicine
- your child's joint pain continues for
more than 3 weeks or returns after stopping
anti-inflammatory medicine.
- you are concerned about other
symptoms.
