ABSTRACT
Objective: To compare the efficacy of different treatment protocols in treating transient synovitis of the hip (TSH) in children and to optimize the clinical treatment strategy for this condition. Methods: Ninety kids with TSH were divided into a control group, a chiropractic group and a chiropractic plus foot bath group using the random number table method, with 30 cases in each group. The control group was treated with conventional traction; the chiropractic group was given chiropractic treatment based on the control group; the chiropractic plus foot bath group was given Chinese medicine foot bath based on the chiropractic group. Traction and foot bath were conducted once daily while chiropractic was done once every other day, all with 14 d as a treatment course for a total of two courses. Changes in the visual analog scale (VAS) score and range of motion (ROM) of the hip joint in the three groups were observed, and the efficacy was compared. Results: The total effective rate was 93.3％ in the chiropractic plus foot bath group, versus 76.7％ in the chiropractic group and 66.7％ in the control group, and the total effective rate was notably higher in the chiropractic plus foot bath group than in the other two groups (both P<0.05). Respectively after the first and second treatment course, the VAS score decreased significantly in each of the three groups compared with that before treatment (all P<0.01), and the ROM of the hip joint in flexion increased significantly (all P<0.01). After two treatment courses, the VAS score was lower in the chiropractic plus foot bath group than in the other two groups (both P<0.05), and its ROM of the hip joint in flexion was larger than that in the other two groups (both P<0.05). Conclusion: Based on traction, chiropractic plus Chinese medicine foot bath can effectively reduce pain and improve motor function of the hip joint in treating TSH.