Transient Hip Synovitis- Low level laser Therapy

Transient hip synovitis is the most painful hip condition in younger children. The condition generally peaks at 6 years of age and patients are usually either 10 or under. The disease causes arthritis and arthralgia secondary to transient inflammation of the synovium within the hip. The cause is unknown, however is thought to be due to a viral infection, micro trauma or allergy. Most cases occur in October which is prime time for infections so trauma is probably not the cause. It’s important to ask if the patient has any preceding infections to the respiratory, cardiovascular and urinary systems. Common signs and symptoms of transient hip synovitis include:

a) Painful limp of sudden onset b) Pain in the hip but could also radiate to the knee and front of thigh c) Patients assume position of hip flexion, external rotation and slight abduction whilst laying down on their back d) Acute hip pain for 1-3 days with limping present and the patients refusing to weight bear. e) Crying at nights generally the major symptoms in young kids f) Joint effusion is generally present within the knee

Functional tests and differential diagnosis Laboratory tests and radiographs are generally normal, however hip aspirations used to rule out septic arthritis (which is closely related to transient hip synovitis) if a sonogram reveals effusion. It’s important to rule out septic arthritis, as it can lead to femoral head destruction, degenerative arthritis and permanent deformity. Treatment of hip synovitis The majority of patients respond well to rest with a pillow under their knee for 24-48 hours and usually eliminate constant weight bearing until there’s total pain relief. If the rest is suffice then patients should be able to increase activities over a 2 week period. If symptoms persist, the condition will have to be re-evaluated and a different plan of attack will have to occur. Cold Laser Therapy might also be a management type as the cause of pain is due to the inflammation around the synovial capsule, so reducing this will ensure that the patient is able to increase their range of motion and feel a decreased sensation of pain. Cold Laser Therapy or low-level laser therapy is vastly used in many medical professions as it’s been proven to be extremely cost-effective and safe. The alternative medicine utilises no radiation and doesn’t require any surgical incisions. Cold Laser therapy has been proven to cure many soft tissue and joint conditions, including transient hip synovitis. The technique produces a cold laser beam that delves deep into the underlying tissues and joints and frees up any sections that have been affected by infection. The therapy targets the infection and frees up the space for blood, oxygen and nutrients to flow adequately through the area affected. Protocol The treatments fast and effective and mostly lasts about 20 minutes with the laser being applied around the whole joint to target all of the inflammation present. Generally with each section, the laser is applied for 3-5 minutes to gain the maximum benefit from the treatment. Anything more or less won’t have a positive effect on the condition. Sessions of 2-3x per week are most commonly recommended in the management of transient hip synovitis with the duration of sessions depending on the severity of the injury. So if your child is experiencing any of the symptoms as mentioned above or you’ve been to see your GP and they have diagnosed them with transient hip synovitis, Lakeside Laser is the place to enhance their recovery rate and get them back on their feet in the fastest possible time. Lakeside Laser is situated in the heart of Joondalup on 3/45 Central Walk Joondalup. Here we have visitors from all around Perth and have access to the latest laser technology equipment available. Lakeside Laser has HICAPS facilities on site which cater for many health funds including HBF, NIB, and HIF and are Medibank and BUPA health care providers. If you would like to speak with one of our trained professionals to gain some more information or schedule in an appointment you can contact us on 93000095 or visit our website at lakesidelaser.com.au and book in our appointment via the ‘book now’ tab. We look forward to treating your condition in the most efficient time possible.