What is the most common cause of hip pain in children aged 5-8 years?

• A. Perthes Disease
• B. Transient Synovitis
• C. Osteomyelitis
• D. Fracture

Answer: (B)

The most common cause of hip pain in children aged 5-8 years is transient synovitis. This condition often arises abruptly, presenting with a child who has hip pain, a limp, and limitations in hip motion. Transient synovitis is characterized by inflammation of the synovial membrane of the hip joint, which is thought to be related to a viral infection or other non-specific inflammatory processes, and is more prevalent in active children. The condition is generally self-limiting, and symptoms often improve within a few days to weeks with conservative management.

Perthes disease, while also a potential cause of hip pain in children, typically occurs in a slightly older age group and involves avascular necrosis of the femoral head; it is less common than transient synovitis. Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone that can lead to hip pain but is relatively rare in this age group and often presents with more systemic symptoms such as fever. Fractures may occur due to trauma but are not as common a spontaneous cause of hip pain in this specific age range when considering non-traumatic scenarios. Thus, transient synovitis stands out as the predominant and most frequent diagnosis for hip pain in children aged 5-8