Irritable Hip

Irritable hip, also known as transient synovitis, is a common condition that affects the hip joint in children and adolescents.

Causes

The exact cause of irritable hip is often unknown, but it is thought to be related to:

• Inflammation of the synovial membrane, which surrounds the hip joint
• Increased fluid in the joint space
• Minor trauma or injury to the hip
• Viral infections, such as a recent upper respiratory tract infection

Symptoms

The symptoms of irritable hip may include:

• Pain in the hip, groin, or thigh
• Limping or difficulty walking
• Stiffness or limited range of motion in the hip joint
• Swelling or redness around the hip joint (in some cases)
• Fever (in some cases)

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of irritable hip is typically made based on a combination of:

• Medical history and physical examination
• Imaging studies, such as X-rays or ultrasound, to rule out other conditions like fractures or osteomyelitis
• Laboratory tests, such as blood work, to check for signs of infection or inflammation
• Joint aspiration or arthrocentesis to analyze the fluid in the joint space

Treatment

The treatment for irritable hip usually involves:

• Rest and avoidance of weight-bearing activities
• Pain management with over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• Physical therapy to maintain range of motion and strength in the affected hip
• In some cases, a short course of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids may be prescribed

Prognosis

The prognosis for irritable hip is generally excellent, with most children and adolescents experiencing complete resolution of symptoms within 1-3 weeks.

In some cases, irritable hip can recur, but this is relatively rare.

Differential Diagnosis

It is essential to differentiate irritable hip from other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as:

• Septic arthritis (infection in the joint)
• Osteomyelitis (bone infection)
• Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE)
• Legg-Calve-Perthes disease