How is Toxic Synovitis Diagnosed?
To diagnose synovitis, it is important to first rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms.
Ruling out Other Conditions
Synovitis is difficult to diagnose, because there are other conditions that present with severe joint pain. It requires prompt treatment, so it is important for your doctor to first test for other conditions before making a diagnosis of synovitis. Other conditions with similar symptoms include:
- Septic arthritis: This is a bacterial or fungal infection that causes joint inflammation and can lead to permanent joint damage if it is not treated on time.
- Legg-Calve-Perthes disease: This is a condition that occurs due to inadequate blood flow to the hip joint, which may result in the collapse of the joint as the bone dies.
- Lyme disease [1]: A bacterial infection that occurs due to tick bites and can result in long-term joint issues if it is not treated on time.
- Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE): This occurs when the ball of the hip joint and the femur separate, resulting in a joint problem known as osteoarthritis.