Transient synovitis is a self-limited benign condition. Weight-bearing is limited, and radiographs are repeated in 2 to 3 months to rule out LCP disease, which may develop after an episode of transient synovitis. The hip is the third most common joint to be involved in pauciarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Children with pauciarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis do not present with systemic systems. The insidious onset is accompanied by swelling, stiffness, and minimal pain on motion.
Effusion is palpable, and soft-tissue and bony changes are seen on radiographs.
Tumors involving the hip joint must also be kept in mind. The physical exam and radiographic studies will help detect or rule out a bone tumor. Therefore, early diagnosis is the most important factor in preventing long-term complications. The main treatment objectives are to relieve muscle spasm, regain range of motion, and contain the femoral epiphysis within the acetabulum to minimize deformation of the femoral head. Currently, observation is chosen only when the patient has no decreased range of motion and meets Catterall's stage I criteria.