This is the commonest disease of the hip joint in childhood. Cause

The cause of irritable hip is uncertain, but the condition has been attributed to viruses and trauma.

Clinical features

A child with an irritable hip is usually between 2 and 5 years of age. He is generally well, and may have only the slightest fever. He has a noticeable, but painless limp, and when examined has difficulty in moving his leg to the side.

Investigations

X-rays of the hip as well as blood tests are usually normal. Follow-up X-rays are usually performed a month later to monitor progress.

• if your child suddenly develops an unexplained limp;

• if he is also unwell or has a fever;

• if he complains of pain in the hip joint or knee.

Treatment

The preferred treatment once the diagnosis of irritable hip has been made is bed rest for a week. Your doctor will generally refer your child to a paediatric orthopaedic surgeon, who may advise the short-term use of traction.

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