[Coxitis fugax. The sonographic and radiologic picture in 65 cases]

Sonography is a valuable technique for the detection of hip joint effusion in children with transient synovitis. In a retrospective study of 65 patients distension of the anterior recess was found to be increased by 2 mm or more in all patients investigated. A sonographic follow-up examination was carried out in 30 patients. These patients showed complete regression of hip effusion after 4 weeks. The importance of attention to sonographic changes of the adjacent bony outline and femoral head deformity in connection with other hip diseases is emphasized. In 45 patients in this study (62% of the cases) conventional radiography showed one or more indirect signs such as displacement, blurring or even obliteration of the fatty intermuscular planes or an increased joint space. In uncomplicated cases with clear sonographic and clinical findings a pelvic radiogram is unnecessary.