Little is known about transient synovitis of the hip in the community. Using data from the Dutch national survey of morbidity and interventions in general practice, a study was undertaken to look at the incidence and management of transient synovitis of the hip in children under 15 years of age. Transient synovitis of the hip was diagnosed in 19 children, 17 of whom were new cases. The mean age of the children was six years six months with a sex ratio of 2.8:1.0 boys to girls. An incidence rate of 1.1 per 1000 person years was calculated. General practitioners prescribed drug treatment for six children and bed rest was advised for six children. Two children were referred for an x-ray examination. Clear follow-up arrangements were made for 16 of the 19 children. It appears that general practitioners preferred to adopt a wait-and-see approach to transient synovitis of the hip rather than referring children for diagnostic ultrasound or x-ray examination.