Coxitis fugax in de huisartspraktijk

To determine how frequently general practitioners (GPs) are consulted because of transient synovitis and how these patients are managed.

Setting

A stratified sample of 103 GP practices throughout the Netherlands.

Design

Descriptive.

Method

Between 1 April 1987 and 31 March 1988, a Dutch national survey of morbidity and interventions was carried out by the Netherlands institute of primary health care. For this survey 103 GP practices (161 GPs), divided into four groups, recorded all contacts with patients during one of four successive three month fieldwork periods. An inventory was made of all children under 15 years of age with the diagnosis of transient synovitis of the hip.

Results

Transient synovitis was diagnosed in 19 children, 17 of whom were new cases. An incidence rate of 1.1 per 1000 person years was calculated. There were 14 boys and 5 girls with a mean age of six years and six months. The GPs gave a prescription in six cases and bed rest was advised for six children. Two children were referred for X-ray examination. Clear follow-up arrangements were made in 86 of the contacts. GPs apparently preferred to adopt a wait-and-see approach to transient synovitis of the hip rather than referring children for diagnostic ultrasound or X-ray examination.