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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.

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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