Can decreased femoral head enhancement differentiate between septic hip arthritis and transient synovitis?

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To determine whether decreased femoral head enhancement on MRI differentiates septic arthritis from transient synovitis.

Materials and methods

This retrospective study included children < 10 years old with hip effusion on post-contrast MRI for suspected musculoskeletal infection. Two pediatric radiologists independently assessed femoral head enhancement. Kocher and modified Kocher scores were calculated from clinical and lab data. Differences between septic arthritis and transient synovitis were analyzed using Student's t-tests and Fisher's exact tests. Sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing septic arthritis were calculated for Kocher scores, their individual components, decreased femoral head enhancement, and muscle edema. Interobserver agreement was assessed.

SUBMITTER: Karmazyn B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12627202 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature