Quick reference
CKS guidance is really useful on this.
Red flags for referral
Who to manage in primary care
Consider transient synovitis if… (Copied verbatim 2025.04.15)
- “If the child is aged 3–9 years, well, afebrile, mobile but limping, and has had the symptoms for less than 72 hours (or more than 72 hours and improving)”
- “Arrange follow up in 48-72 hours, if [Sx] are resolving no investigations are needed.”
- “Arrange subsequent review 1 week from symptom onset to confirm complete resolution of symptoms. If symptoms have not resolved completely or there is any uncertainty about the diagnosis, refer to paediatric orthopaedics or orthopaedics (the urgency depending on clinical judgement).”