Differential Diagnosis for Pediatric Limp with Knee Pain without Known Injury
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Transient Synovitis: This condition is a common cause of hip pain and limp in children, often without a known injury. It is characterized by inflammation of the synovial membrane and usually resolves on its own.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA): A chronic autoimmune disease that can cause joint pain and swelling, leading to a limp. Knee pain is a common presentation.
- Osgood-Schlatter Disease: A condition that affects the knee, causing pain and swelling below the kneecap. It is common in adolescents during growth spurts.
- Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE): A hip condition that occurs when the ball at the upper end of the femur slips out of place. It can cause knee pain and limp, especially in obese adolescents.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Septic Arthritis: A bacterial infection within a joint, which is a medical emergency. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent long-term damage.
- Osteomyelitis: An infection of the bone that can cause pain, fever, and limp. It requires immediate antibiotic treatment to prevent complications.
- Bone Tumors (e.g., Osteosarcoma, Ewing's Sarcoma): Although rare, these conditions can cause persistent pain and limp. Early detection is critical for effective treatment.
Rare Diagnoses
- Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: A rare condition that affects the hip, causing the ball at the upper end of the femur to lose its blood supply and collapse. It can cause knee pain and limp.
- Kohler Disease: A rare condition that affects the foot, causing pain and limp due to avascular necrosis of the navicular bone.
- Chronic Recurrent Multifocal Osteomyelitis (CRMO): A rare condition characterized by recurring episodes of bone inflammation, which can cause pain and limp.