Differential Diagnosis for a 6 Year Old Male Unable to Walk for a Few Days
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Acute transient synovitis or toxic synovitis: This condition is a common cause of acute hip pain and inability to walk in children, often following a viral infection. It is usually self-limiting and resolves with minimal treatment.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Viral myositis: Inflammation of the muscles due to a viral infection can cause pain and weakness, leading to difficulty walking.
- Osteomyelitis or septic arthritis: Bacterial infections of the bone or joint can cause severe pain, swelling, and inability to move the affected limb.
- Trauma (e.g., fracture, sprain): Accidental injuries can cause pain and swelling, making it difficult for the child to walk.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Meningitis or spinal cord infection: Infections affecting the central nervous system can cause severe symptoms, including paralysis or weakness, and require immediate medical attention.
- Guillain-Barré Syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that can cause rapid onset of muscle weakness, potentially leading to paralysis.
- Spinal cord tumor or abscess: Space-occupying lesions in the spinal cord can cause progressive weakness, pain, or paralysis.
- Child abuse: Non-accidental trauma should always be considered in cases of unexplained injury or inability to walk.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Leukemia or lymphoma: Certain types of cancer can cause bone or joint pain, leading to difficulty walking.
- Muscular dystrophy: A group of genetic disorders characterized by progressive muscle weakness and degeneration.
- Neuromuscular disorders (e.g., spinal muscular atrophy): Genetic conditions affecting the nerves and muscles can cause weakness, paralysis, or movement disorders.
- Inflammatory conditions (e.g., juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Kawasaki disease): Chronic or acute inflammatory diseases can cause joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, making it difficult to walk.