Abstract

Transient synovitis is a diagnosis of exclusion for acute hip pain in children. It has largely been associated with viral and traumatic etiologies despite most of the cases being idiopathic in nature. The purpose of this study is to present a patient with transient synovitis that also demonstrates Sacroiliac Joint dysfunction. Established Sacroiliac Joint (SIJ) manipulation technique was used to resolve his symptoms. The patient in this study displayed physical and radiological finding consistent with transient synovitis of the hip associated with SIJ dysfunction. We theorize that mechanical joint dysfunction of the SIJ may lead to changes in the tension-length relationship of the iliopsoas muscle predisposing the hip joint to tendinitis and bursitis. This results in the clinical presentation of transient synovitis of the hip. Our patient was successfully treated with SIJ manipulation. This study emphasizes the importance of a thorough spinal examination in patients presenting with transient synovitis to rule out a mechanical pathology. Our case illustrates the efficacy of spinal manipulation in treating SIJ dysfunction. We propose that this evaluation and treatment option should be considered with patients diagnosed with transient synovitis of the hip.

Keywords: Transient synovitis; Toxic synovitis; Hip pain; Sacroiliac joint; Mechanical joint dysfunction; Spinal manipulation