Transient Synovitis

What is transient synovitis?

Transient synovitis (TS) is inflammation of one or more joints that typically lasts 1 to 3 weeks. It can affect any joint, but most commonly occurs in the hip. It is sometimes called "toxic synovitis" or "postinfectious arthritis." Sometimes children with TS will also have a skin rash.

What causes TS?

TS is most commonly caused by a viral infection. It occasionally develops after getting a vaccine or from taking some medicines. The viral infection, vaccine, or medicine triggers a process that leads to an immune response that affects the joints. The joints become inflamed and begin to hurt. Sometimes the cause isn't known. Why some children get TS and others don't is not well understood.

How should TS be treated?

TS gets better with medicines that reduce inflammation such as ibuprofen. Your health care provider can tell you how much anti-inflammatory medicine you can safely give your child. Rarely, other medicines such as oral steroids are used.

Your child's medicine is ____________________________. Give ____________ every _____ hours.

Ask your child's health care provider if your child should reduce his or her activity level.

How long will it last?

TS usually goes away completely in 1 to 3 weeks. It usually begins to improve once your child starts taking anti-inflammatory medicine.

Very rarely blood vessels supplying the top of the thighbone, can become blocked and damage the bone. If this happens, your child's pain and limp will get worse despite treatment. If your child has TS it does not mean that he or she has a greater chance of having joint problems like arthritis later in life.

When should I call my child's health care provider?

Call during office hours if:

• your child develops increasing fever or pain despite anti-inflammatory medicine
• the pain in the affected joint is not getting better within 3 days of starting medicine
• your child's joint pain continues for more than 3 weeks or returns after stopping anti-inflammatory medicine.
• you are concerned about other symptoms.