What is the most common age range for children affected by transient synovitis?

Transient synovitis, also known as toxic synovitis, is an acute inflammatory condition of the hip joint commonly seen in children. The age range most frequently affected is between 3 and 10 years. This condition typically presents with sudden onset hip pain, limping, and sometimes fever.

The diagnosis is often made after ruling out other more serious conditions, such as septic arthritis or osteomyelitis. The reason that the 3-10 year age range is the most affected is likely due to a combination of developmental factors and the prevalence of viral infections during this stage of childhood, which are thought to be triggering factors for transient synovitis.

In younger children (like those in the 1-2 year group) or infants (newborns), the etiology of hip pain may differ and is less commonly due to transient synovitis. Older children (11-15 years) may start to develop more musculoskeletal issues, but transient synovitis is generally not as prevalent in this age group. Thus, the 3-10 year age window is recognized as the primary demographic for transient synovitis.