Transient synovitis of the hip is most commonly associated with which preceding event in children aged 3–10 years?

Transient synovitis of the hip is most commonly associated with which preceding event in children aged 3–10 years?

• A. This is the most common cause of acute hip pain in children aged 3-10 following a URI
• B. Bony tumor of the hip
• C. Bilateral hip infection
• D. Fracture of the femoral neck

Answer: (A)

Transient synovitis is a self-limited hip inflammation in children that is most commonly preceded by a recent viral illness, especially an upper respiratory infection. The temporal link to a URI in kids around 3–10 years old is the strongest clue that the hip pain and limp are due to this benign, short-lived inflammatory process rather than a more serious problem. Clinically, the child often has mild or no fever, hip pain with limited range of motion, and may have a normal or only mildly elevated inflammatory workup; ultrasound typically shows a non-purulent joint effusion that improves with rest and NSAIDs over a short period. This contrasts with septic arthritis, which would present with higher fever, systemic symptoms, and marked inflammatory markers requiring urgent joint drainage. The other options do not fit the common sequence or presentation after a URI in this age group.

Transient synovitis is a self-limited hip inflammation in children that is most commonly preceded by a recent viral illness, especially an upper respiratory infection. The temporal link to a URI in kids around 3–10 years old is the strongest clue that the hip pain and limp are due to this benign, short-lived inflammatory process rather than a more serious problem. Clinically, the child often has mild or no fever, hip pain with limited range of motion, and may have a normal or only mildly elevated inflammatory workup; ultrasound typically shows a non-purulent joint effusion that improves with rest and NSAIDs over a short period. This contrasts with septic arthritis, which would present with higher fever, systemic symptoms, and marked inflammatory markers requiring urgent joint drainage. The other options do not fit the common sequence or presentation after a URI in this age group.