You mean an irritable hip indicates transient synovitis? What exactly are the physical findings of an irritable hip? (Or the converse - a non-irritable hip!)
Irritable Hip is usually common in children age 3-10. Presenting symptoms are limping and pain over inner thigh. Examination will reveal pain during all range of movements and some limitation. It is a self resolving condition usually. I dont recall much about irritable hip because my interest has switched to spine now. I guess sometimes transient synovitis can happen after internal fixation as in your case.....which did not happen..so PE did not show any signs of hip irritation..