the limping child
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THE LIMPING CHILD
PRESENTED BYDANIEL L. MORRISON, D.O.
CLINICAL PROFESSOR, MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE
Introduction
• Limping is a common problem in children and adolescents. The different diagnoses of limping is extensive and includes numerous abnormalities of the lower extremity and spine.
Common conditions that can cause a child
to limp:
• Conditions divided into two categories:
•Antalgic
•Trendelenburg
Antalgic definition
• Painful limp• The child spends the greater
portion of the gait cycle on the asymptomatic leg than the symptomatic.
•Antalgic
• Infectious–Septic arthritis–Osteomyelitis•Acute•Subacute
–Diskitis• Rheumatologic– Juvenile arthritis
Antalgic cont.
• Trauma–Sprains,strains, contusions–Fractures•Toddler’s fx•Stress fx
* Be aware of child abuse
Antalgic cont.
• Neoplasia–Benign•Osteoid osteoma
–Malignant•Osteogenic sarcoma•Ewing sarcoma•Leukemia•Spinal cord tumors
Antalgic cont.
• Congenital–Tarsal coalition
• Acquired– Legg-Calve-Perthes disease–Slipped capital femoral
epiphysis
Trendelenburg
• Dr. Friedrich Trendelenberg born in Berlin in 1844.
• Classic article reproduced the gait of patients with congenital dislocations of the hip.
Trendelenburg’s Sign
• Positive sign shows the pelvis hanging down on the swinging side
• Negative sign show the pelvis angled up on the swinging side
Trendelenburg Limp
• Developmental dysplasia of the hip– Leg length discrepancy
• Neuromuscular Disease–Cerebral palsy–Muscular dystrophy
Clinical History
• Begin with thorough history, family history, and physical examination
• Onset (acute-insidious)• Age (chronological-
developmental)• Symptom complex
Differential Diagnosis based upon age
• Toddler (1-3 years of age)• Childhood (4-10 years)• Adolescence (11+ years)
Differential for Toddlers
• Infection–Septic arthritis-hip,knee–Osteomyelitis–Diskitis
Differential for Toddlers cont.
• Occult trauma–Sprains, strains, contusions–Toddler’s fx–Stress fx
Differential for Childhood
• Infection–Septic arthritis of hip or knee–Osteomyelitis–Diskitis
Differential for Childhood cont.
• Transient synovitis of the hip• Legg-Calve-Perthes disease• Juvenile arthritis• Trauma• Neoplasia• Leg length discrepancy
Differential for Adolescence
• Slipped capital femoral epiphysis
• Juvenile arthritis• Trauma• Leg length discrepancy
Differential for Adolescence cont.
• Neoplasia• HNP• Congenital Spine–Spina Bifida Occulta–Spondylolisthesis•L5 radiculopathy
Physical Examination
• Observing the child’s walk after removing all clothing except diaper or underwear and having the child walk a sufficient distance to observe the gait pattern.
Gait Analysis
• Stance Phase–Heel strike, foot
flat, midstance, heel off, toe off
• Swing Phase–Acceleration,
mid swing, deceleration
Distinguishing characteristics:
• redness, swelling, tenderness• abrasion suggesting trauma• café au lait spots• rash
Characteristics cont.
• joint effusions• soft tissue masses• alteration of strength,
sensation, or DTRs
Laboratory Assessment
• Blood cultures• WBC count with differential• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate• C-reactive protein level• Antinuclear antibody
Imaging Modalities
• Plain Radiographs• Bone Scan• Ultrasound• Computed Topography• MRI
Conclusion
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