Differential Diagnosis for a 13-year-old Girl with Left Groin Pain and Hip Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE): This condition is a common cause of hip pain in adolescents, particularly during periods of rapid growth. It occurs when the ball at the upper end of the femur (thigh bone) slips off in a backward direction. This condition often presents with groin pain and is more common in obese adolescents.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Apophysitis (e.g., Osgood-Schlatter disease or Sever's disease): Although more commonly associated with knee or heel pain, apophysitis can sometimes refer pain to the groin area due to the complex anatomy of the hip and lower extremities.
- Stress Fracture: Stress fractures can occur in the hip or femur, especially in young athletes who participate in sports that involve running or repetitive jumping.
- Hip Flexor Strain: A strain of the hip flexor muscles can cause pain in the groin and hip area, especially after activities that involve kicking or sprinting.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Septic Arthritis or Osteomyelitis: Infections within the joint or bone can present with severe pain and must be treated promptly to avoid long-term damage. These conditions are medical emergencies.
- Tumor (e.g., Osteosarcoma or Ewing's Sarcoma): Although rare, bone tumors can cause persistent pain and should be considered, especially if the pain is constant, worsening, or accompanied by other systemic symptoms like weight loss or fever.
- Inflammatory Arthritis (e.g., Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis): This condition can cause hip pain and stiffness, and while less common, it's crucial to diagnose and treat to prevent long-term joint damage.
Rare Diagnoses
- Avascular Necrosis (AVN) of the Femoral Head: This condition involves the death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply and can be caused by various factors, including trauma, steroids, or excessive alcohol consumption. It's less common in adolescents without underlying risk factors.
- Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: A rare condition characterized by AVN of the femoral head, typically affecting children between the ages of 4 and 10, but can occasionally be seen in early adolescence.
- Piriformis Syndrome: This condition, where the piriformis muscle irritates the sciatic nerve, can cause pain in the hip and groin area but is less common in adolescents.