Prevalence of Hip Joint Effusion in Children Diagnosed With Transient Synovitis in the Pediatric Emergency Department.

BACKGROUND

Transient synovitis (TS) is a benign condition characterized by acute hip pain and is a common cause of limping in children. Ultrasonography (US) examination frequently reveals hip joint effusion. However, accurate documentation of its prevalence among children with a diagnosis of TS is scarcely documented in the literature.

OBJECTIVES

The main objective of our study was to evaluate the prevalence of hip joint effusion among children diagnosed with TS in the pediatric emergency department (PED).

METHODS

A Retrospective chart review of children diagnosed with TS in the PED between 2017 and 2021 who underwent an US examination as part of their evaluation.

RESULTS

Overall, 392 children with a mean age of 5 years were included in the study group, of whom hip effusion was demonstrated in 302 (77%) patients. Most participants underwent point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) performed by the PED physician as part of their evaluation (328, 83%). Children with hip joint effusion had higher pain levels, hip joint tenderness, and higher CRP values compared with children without an effusion.

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, the prevalence of hip joint effusion among children presenting to the PED with a final clinical diagnosis of TS was 77%. Higher pain levels and hip joint tenderness were associated with the presence of hip effusion in TS.