Recurrences of transient synovitis of the hip

Abstract

Thirty six children with transient synovitis of the hip had a total of 80 recurrences, 69 of them personally observed, and 11 described by the mother. No features distinguished the initial attack of those who had a recurrence from that of the 18 children who have not so far had a recurrence. We analysed the total of 126 episodes. In 72 there was evidence of an associated infection from the history, clinical signs, and a raised antistreptolysin O titre or isolation of a pathogen from a throat swab. The prognosis is difficult to assess because the symptoms, signs, and special investigations are not specific. Recurrences can occur after many years without symptoms.