Transient Synovitis Treatment & Management

  • Author: Christine C Whitelaw, MD; Chief Editor: Lawrence K Jung, MD   more...
 
Updated: Apr 30, 2010
 

Medical Care

Apply heat and massage to individuals with transient synovitis (TS). If the diagnosis of transient synovitis is equivocal or the patient is uncomfortable, hospitalize for observation and traction. Home treatment also can include traction. Skin traction of the hip in 45° of flexion minimizes intracapsular pressure. Treatment with ibuprofen may shorten the duration of symptoms.[16]

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Activity

Advise bedrest for 7-10 days, allowing the patient to rest in a position of comfort. Advise the patient with transient synovitis not to bear weight on the affected limb. Advise the patient with transient synovitis to avoid full unrestricted activity until the limp and pain have resolved.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Christine C Whitelaw, MD  Clinical Instructor, Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville School of Medicine

Christine C Whitelaw, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics and Kentucky Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Kenneth N Schikler, MD  Director, Pediatric Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Kosair Children's Hospital; Associate Professor, University of Louisville School of Medicine

Kenneth N Schikler, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Society for Adolescent Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Mary L Windle, PharmD  Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Thomas JA Lehman, MD, FAAP, FACR  Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, Weill-Cornell University; Chief, Hospital for Special Surgery

Thomas JA Lehman, MD, FAAP, FACR is a member of the following medical societies: PM American Allergy Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Daniel Rauch, MD, FAAP  Director, Pediatric Hospitalist Program, Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine

Daniel Rauch, MD, FAAP is a member of the following medical societies: Ambulatory Pediatric Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, and Society of Hospital Medicine

Disclosure: Baxter Honoraria Consulting

Chief Editor

Lawrence K Jung, MD  Chief, Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, Children's National Medical Center

Lawrence K Jung, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Association of Immunologists, American College of Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology Society, and New York Academy of Sciences

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

References

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Widening of the joint space. Note that the space is wider on the left side. Discrepancies greater than 1 mm indicate the presence of fluid.
 
 
 
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