Differential Diagnosis for Femur Tenderness and Lower Extremities Tenderness
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Trauma or Fracture: This is the most likely diagnosis given the presentation of tenderness in the femur and lower extremities. Trauma can cause fractures, bruises, or strains that lead to tenderness.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Osteomyelitis: An infection of the bone that can cause pain and tenderness, especially if the femur is involved.
- Septic Arthritis: An infection in the joint space that can cause pain, swelling, and tenderness in the affected limb.
- Cellulitis: A bacterial skin infection that can cause redness, swelling, and tenderness in the affected area.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): A blood clot in the deep veins of the legs that can cause pain, swelling, and tenderness.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Osteosarcoma: A type of bone cancer that can cause pain and tenderness in the affected bone, although it is less common.
- Ewing's Sarcoma: Another type of bone cancer that can cause pain, tenderness, and swelling.
- Compartment Syndrome: A condition where pressure within the muscles builds to dangerous levels, reducing blood flow and causing pain, tenderness, and potentially permanent damage if not treated promptly.
- Neurovascular Injury: Injury to the nerves or blood vessels that can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and tenderness.
Rare Diagnoses
- Fibrous Dysplasia: A condition where normal bone is replaced with fibrous tissue, leading to weakened bones and potential for pain and tenderness.
- Paget's Disease: A condition that involves the breakdown and regrowth of bone tissue, leading to deformity and potential for pain and tenderness.
- Gaucher's Disease: A genetic disorder that can cause bone pain and tenderness due to the accumulation of harmful substances within cells.
- Sickle Cell Crisis: A condition where abnormal red blood cells can cause episodes of pain, including in the bones and lower extremities, due to vaso-occlusion.