Scintimetry in transient synovitis of the hip in the child

Fifty-five consecutive children presenting with transient synovitis of the hip were examined with 99mTc-MDP scintigraphy and pin-hole collimator technique. Quantitative assessment was performed along a profile of interest across the hip joint. The criteria for the normal scintimetric pattern in the child's hip were established and the pathologic pattern of uptake in the acute phase, as well as in the follow-up after synovitis, was described. A decrease in isotope uptake in the proximal femoral epiphysis was observed in 13 children. This was correlated with a reduced uptake in the growth-plate, indicating a disturbance of blood supply to these regions. A characteristic pattern of isotope uptake with duration of symptoms was observed: a decrease in uptake during the first week followed by rebound hyperemia within 1 month. One child developed osteonecrosis (Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease).