Transient monoarticular synovitis of the hip joint in adults.

Clinical, laboratory, and radiological investigation of 6 cases of idiopathic monoarticular adult hip synovitis demonstrates that unlike the syndrome in children, in the adult the onset is very acute, short in duration, and followed by a short tapering off period with no sequelae to date. The ESR is the best index of the severity and course of the illness. Hip aspiration is of diagnostic value. Viral etiology was suspected, but not proven. Recognition of this syndrome in the adult will prevent an unnecessary arthrotomy for "septic arthritis" of the hip joint.