Transient synovitis most often affects children in which age range?

• A. 3-10 years
• B. 1-2 years
• C. 11-15 years
• D. Over 18 years

Answer: (A)

Transient synovitis is a self-limited inflammatory process of the hip that most often affects young children. It typically presents after a viral illness with a limp or hip or groin pain but without systemic infection. The age range where this condition most commonly occurs is early to middle childhood, roughly from about 3 to 10 years old, with a peak around 4 to 6 years. Among the given options, the 3- to 10-year range best captures the common patient group. The other age ranges are less typical for this diagnosis and would prompt consideration of alternative causes of hip pain.