In tuberculous synovitis of the hip joint the position of the hip is
The question is asking about the hip position in such a case. I remember that in joint tuberculosis, especially in the hip, the body tries to protect the affected joint. Patients often adopt a specific posture to reduce pain and prevent further damage. For the hip, flexion, abduction, and external rotation are common because this position opens up the joint capsule, reducing pressure and pain. So the correct answer should be that the hip is in flexion, abduction, and external rotation.
Now, looking at the options, the correct answer is likely option C or D. But since the user hasn't provided the options, I'll just focus on the correct position. The other options might include positions like flexion and adduction, which would be incorrect because adduction would close the joint capsule and increase pressure, causing more pain. Internal rotation is also incorrect for the same reason. Extension would be wrong as it's the opposite of flexion.
Clinical pearls: Remember that in hip TB, the position is protective. Flexion, abduction, and external rotation are key. Also, the hip is often held in this position to minimize synovial irritation and maintain joint space. This is a high-yield point for exams, so it's important to note.
**Core Concept**
Tuberculous synovitis of the hip joint is a chronic infection causing synovial inflammation, leading to joint destruction if untreated. Patients adopt a characteristic posture to minimize pain and joint stress, preserving joint space and reducing synovial irritation.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The hip is typically held in **flexion, abduction, and external rotation**. This position opens the joint capsule, reduces pressure on inflamed synovium, and prevents further damage. Flexion decreases weight-bearing stress, abduction prevents hip adduction (which narrows the joint space), and external rotation aligns the femoral head to avoid impingement on the inflamed synovium.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Flexion and adduction would compress the joint capsule, exacerbating synovitis and pain.
**Option B:** Extension and internal rotation would narrow the joint space, increasing pressure on the inflamed synovium.
**Option D:** Neutral position fails to address pain relief or joint protection, making it clinically irrelevant.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Remember the "hip position in TB arthritis" as **flexion, abduction, external rotation**. This posture is a classic exam trap—contrast it with pyogenic arthritis, where the hip is held in flexion, adduction, and internal rotation due to acute inflammation.
**Correct Answer: C. Flexion, abduction, and external rotation**