[Transient synovitis of the hip in childhood. "observation hip" (author's transl)]

Thirty-eight children suffering of a transient synovitis of the hip joint have been reviewed with a follow up of 2 to 20 years (mean 7 years). It appears that this affection is not as benign as it seems, for in 1/3 of the cases it remains clinical and roentgenographic sequelae some of them looking like a minor degree of Legg Perthes' disease. The authors insist on the treatment, with traction in bed, and on the necessity of a new roentgenogram 45 days after the onset of the illness, to exclude the risk of an osteochondritis of the hip joint. Nuclide bone scan cannot affirm the diagnosis of transient synovitis, but can only eliminate an osteochondritis of the hip when it shows hyperfixation of the hip.