Differential Diagnosis for Bilateral Hip Pain since Childhood
Single most likely diagnosis
- Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH): This condition is a common cause of bilateral hip pain in children, resulting from abnormal formation of the hip joint. It can lead to arthritis and chronic pain if left untreated.
Other Likely diagnoses
- Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: A condition characterized by avascular necrosis of the femoral head, leading to hip pain and limited mobility. It typically affects children between 4-10 years old.
- Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE): A hip condition that occurs in adolescents, where the ball at the upper end of the femur slips out of place, causing pain and limited mobility.
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA): A chronic autoimmune disease that can cause joint inflammation and pain, including in the hips.
Do Not Miss
- Malignant Bone Tumors (e.g., Osteosarcoma, Ewing's Sarcoma): Although rare, these conditions can cause hip pain and are life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated promptly.
- Infectious Diseases (e.g., Septic Arthritis, Osteomyelitis): Bacterial or fungal infections can cause severe hip pain and require urgent medical attention to prevent long-term damage.
Rare diagnoses
- Multiple Epiphyseal Dysplasia: A rare genetic disorder that affects the development of bone and cartilage, leading to joint pain and stiffness, including in the hips.
- Spondyloepiphyseal Dysplasia: A rare genetic disorder that affects the development of the spine and joints, including the hips, leading to pain and limited mobility.
- Fibrous Dysplasia: A rare condition where normal bone tissue is replaced with fibrous tissue, leading to weak and deformed bones, including in the hips.