Ambulance 912HAP 9252
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Hip inflammation in children

A child with hip pain or a limp may have temporary hip inflammation, also called irritable hip or transient synovitis. This is usually harmless and often gets better on its own. However, a bacterial joint infection, called septic arthritis, must also be considered: this is a medical emergency. Fever, being unwell and refusing to stand on the leg make prompt assessment especially important.

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  • A child with hip pain or a limp may have an irritable hip, but sometimes there is a more serious joint infection.
  • Transient synovitis is usually temporary and often occurs after a viral infection. The child often does not feel very ill.
  • Septic arthritis is a bacterial joint infection and is a medical emergency. Rapid treatment is needed to limit damage.
  • Fever, refusal to stand on the leg and a child who is clearly unwell are warning signs. Do not wait to see what happens.
  • On Curaçao, contact your GP (family doctor) or paediatrician during the day. Outside office hours, contact HAP 9252, the out-of-hours GP service, for urgent symptoms. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediate threat to life.

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Further reading

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A
A child with feverFever in a child is often caused by a virus and usually clears up on its own. However, it can also indicate a more serious infection, especially in very young children, unusually drowsy children or those drinking little. Bo Dòkter advises a low threshold for medical assessment in children under 3 years; babies and children with warning signs need prompt assessment.
B
Bacterial joint infection (septic arthritis)A bacterial joint infection, also called septic arthritis, is a serious infection that can quickly damage a joint. Sudden severe pain and swelling in a joint need urgent assessment.
K
Kidney infectionA kidney infection is a bacterial infection of the kidney and renal pelvis. Fever, chills and pain in the side or back need medical assessment the same day; pregnancy or signs of sepsis make this especially urgent.