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Differential Diagnosis for Pediatric Elbow Pain without Apparent Supracondylar Fracture

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Nursemaid's Elbow (Radial Head Subluxation): This condition is a common cause of elbow pain in young children, typically occurring when a child is lifted or pulled by the hand, causing the radial head to partially dislocate. It's highly likely due to its prevalence in the pediatric population and the mechanism of injury often related to common childcare practices.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Medial Epicondyle Apophysitis: This condition, also known as "little league elbow," is common in young athletes who participate in throwing sports. It causes pain on the medial (inner) side of the elbow due to repetitive stress on the growth plate.
  • Olecranon Fracture: Though less common than supracondylar fractures, olecranon fractures can occur in children and cause significant elbow pain. They might not always be immediately apparent on initial examination.
  • Elbow Contusion or Sprain: Direct blows to the elbow or falls onto an outstretched hand can cause contusions or sprains around the elbow, leading to pain and swelling.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Septic Arthritis: Although less common, septic arthritis of the elbow is a medical emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent long-term joint damage. Symptoms can include severe pain, swelling, redness, and decreased range of motion.
  • Osteomyelitis: Bone infection can cause pain in the elbow area and is crucial to diagnose early to prevent serious complications.
  • Non-accidental Trauma: In cases of unexplained or recurrent elbow injuries in children, non-accidental trauma must be considered and investigated appropriately.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Panner's Disease: A rare condition causing avascular necrosis of the capitellum, typically seen in young athletes involved in throwing sports. It presents with lateral elbow pain.
  • Elbow Tumors: Though rare, tumors such as osteochondroma or osteosarcoma can cause elbow pain in children. These conditions are less common but important to consider in the differential diagnosis due to their potential impact on the child's health and prognosis.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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