Differential Diagnosis for 7-year-old Female with Left Knee Swelling and Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA): This is a common cause of knee pain and swelling in children, especially without a history of trauma. JIA can present with joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, often without systemic symptoms like fever.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Osgood-Schlatter Disease: A common cause of knee pain in children, typically affecting the tibial tubercle. It's often associated with activities that involve running or jumping.
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: Characterized by pain around or behind the patella, usually related to activities that put stress on the knee, such as walking, running, or climbing stairs.
- Meniscal or Ligamentous Injury: Even without a clear history of trauma, minor injuries can occur, leading to meniscal or ligamentous damage, which might not always present with bruising or fever.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Septic Arthritis: Although the patient does not have fever, septic arthritis is a medical emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. It can present with joint pain and swelling, and the absence of fever does not rule it out, especially in young children.
- Osteomyelitis: An infection of the bone that can cause pain, swelling, and sometimes fever. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent long-term damage.
- Tumor (e.g., Osteosarcoma, Ewing's Sarcoma): Although rare, bone tumors can present with pain and swelling, and it's critical to consider them to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.
Rare Diagnoses
- Hemophilia: If the child has an undiagnosed bleeding disorder like hemophilia, even minor trauma could lead to significant joint bleeding and swelling.
- Sickle Cell Disease: Patients with sickle cell disease can experience vaso-occlusive crises that lead to joint pain and swelling due to sickling of red blood cells within the joint.
- Rheumatic Fever: A complication of untreated streptococcal infection, which can cause joint pain and swelling among other symptoms.