Not Every Limp in Childhood is Arthritis

Musculoskeletal pain is a frequent cause of morbidity in children and it usually presents in small child as limp. Its causes are multiple, most often benign, but their identification and differentiation of potentially serious diseases is essential to establish adequate treatment and avoid unnecessary scans.

In a large percentage of cases the diagnosis is made with a detailed history, a thorough physical examination and minimum complementary tests.

Musculoskeletal pain is a frequent cause of morbidity in children and it usually presents in small child as limp [1]. Its causes are multiple, most often benign, but their identification and differentiation of potentially serious diseases is essential to establish adequate treatment and avoid unnecessary scans.

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