Differential Diagnosis for 6 Year Old Female with Hip Pain

• Single Most Likely Diagnosis
  • Transient Synovitis: This is a common cause of hip pain in children, especially in the 3-10 year age range. It is characterized by inflammation of the synovial tissue surrounding the hip joint, often following a viral infection.
• Other Likely Diagnoses
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: A condition where the blood supply to the femoral head is disrupted, leading to necrosis of the bone. It typically affects children between 4-8 years old.
  • Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE): A condition where the femoral head slips off the femoral neck, often due to a weak growth plate. It is more common in obese children during periods of rapid growth.
  • Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA): A chronic autoimmune disease that can cause hip pain and stiffness, among other symptoms.
• Do Not Miss Diagnoses
  • Septic Arthritis: A bacterial infection of the joint, which can lead to rapid destruction of the joint and surrounding bone if not promptly treated.
  • Osteomyelitis: A bacterial infection of the bone, which can cause severe pain, swelling, and redness.
  • Malignancy (e.g. Osteosarcoma, Ewing's Sarcoma): Although rare, these conditions can present with hip pain and must be considered to avoid delayed diagnosis.
• Rare Diagnoses
  • Gaucher's Disease: A genetic disorder that can cause bone pain and hip problems due to the accumulation of fatty substances in the bones.
  • Multiple Epiphyseal Dysplasia: A rare genetic disorder that affects the development of the ends of bones, leading to joint pain and stiffness.
  • Hip fractures or stress fractures: Although uncommon in children, these can occur due to trauma or repetitive stress on the bone.