How not to miss infective causes of hip pain in children. (2nd May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Oliver, Emile; Sinha, Pranab; Khwaja, Murtaza; Thilagarajah, Michael
• Is Part Of: British journal of hospital medicine. Volume 82:Number 5(2021)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 8
• Publication Date: 2021-05-02
• Subjects: Hip pain -- Osteomyelitis -- Painful limp -- Septic arthritis -- Transient synovitis; Medicine -- Periodicals; Hospital care -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.12968/hmed.2020.0206
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1750-8460

Abstract

Abstract : A referral from accident and emergency for a child with hip pain is a scenario commonly faced by orthopaedic juniors on call. The list of differentials is vast and can make assessment and diagnosis challenging, with severe consequences if diagnosis is delayed or missed. Three common causes of paediatric hip pain are septic arthritis, transient synovitis and osteomyelitis. These can all present as a child with atraumatic hip pain, irritability, fever and refusal to weight bear. Differentiating between them can be challenging. A thorough history and examination, combined with appropriate investigations and imaging, is essential. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are key to reducing irreversible secondary sequelae of joint destruction and long-term functional impairment.