[The differential diagnosis of juvenile hip pain in the ultrasonographic picture. Transient coxitis. Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, epiphysiolysis of the femur head].

The efficiency of ultrasonography was tested in examinations of 117 children with hip pain, transient synovitis (n = 41), Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (n = 61) and epiphysiolysis capitis femoris (n = 15). The sonographic criteria for the evaluation are presented. In the case of transient synovitis the effusion persisted for < 2 weeks. In the early stage of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease all patients had had capsular distension for > 6 weeks. A differential diagnosis between transient synovitis and Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease is possible. In the case of epiphysiolysis capitis femoris, it is possible to diagnose slipping of the epiphysis and capsular distension. The significance of synovitis in the pathogenesis of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease is discussed.