The diagnostic value of the ultrasonography on transient synovitis of the hip in children

Objective To determine the ultrasonographic diagnostic value and the diagnostic criteria on transient synovitis of the hip in children.Methods Eighty two children with a clinical diagnosis of unilateral transient synovitis of the hip and 33 normal children (randomly selected) underwent bilateral ultrasonographic assessment.On the anterior scan, the distance between the femoral neck and the fibrous joint capsule was measured and collected.The mean difference of the bilateral hip in the abnormal group was compared with that in the normal group by statistical analysis (t test).Results The significant increased distance was found between the femoral neck and the fibrous joint capsule by ultrasonographic assessment in unilateral transient synovitis affected hip. There were two sub types defined as type of joint capsule swelling (25 cases) and type of joint capsule effused (57 cases).Conclusions Ultrasonography is a valuable method for diagnosis and evaluation on transient synovitis of the hip in children.