TRANSIENT SYNOVITIS OF THE HIP - REVIEW O F CASE-HISTORIES AND PROPOSAL OF OUTPATIENT DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES

We evaluated retrospectically 54 children (43 M, 11 F), aged 11 mo-13 yr, admitted to the pediatric department during the last 5 years, beca use of painful hip and/or limp (except trauma). The dismission diagnos is were TS (n = 47), other diseases of the hip (n = 7). Aims: to evalu ate the usefullness of laboratory and instrumental data in the differe ntial diagnosis of hip diseases and therefore, the possibility of dete ction of TS in the emergency room, reducing hospital admissions and ma naging these children as outpatients. Results and conclusions: no exam resulted discriminant, but the clinical presentation, together with h ematologic and ultrasound data, frequently allows the diagnosis of TS and the exclusion of an orthopedic-pediatric emergency. In our study, 41/47 TS could be diagnosed in the emergency room. ultrasonography is the instrumental test to be preferred at diagnosis and in the follow-u p, because of the absence of side effects and controindications and it s good sensitivity. X-ray should be reserved for patients with unremit ting symptoms and/or persistent hip effusion.