The limping child

Question 1

What are the most common causes of a limp in 0-3-year-olds?

Answer 1

• fracture or soft tissue injury (accidental or non-accidental)
• osteomyelitis or septic arthritis
• developmental dysplasia of the hip

Question 2

What are the most common causes of a limp in 3-10-year-olds?

Answer 2

• trauma
• transient synovitis/ irritable hip
• osteomyelitis or septic arthritis
• Perthes’ disease

Question 3

What are the most common causes of a limp in 10-15-year-olds?

Answer 3

• trauma
• osteomyelitis or septic arthritis
• slipped upper femoral epiphysis
• chondromalacia
• Perthes’ disease