Lameness, a common symptom in children

Lameness of the child is a common symptom that may indicate different types of conditions, including the diagnosis must be based on a thorough clinical examination, as well as radiographic and laboratory tests, say experts SOFCOT (French Society orthopedic and trauma surgery) in a convenient form.
The goal is, in fact, do not miss an infection, a tumor or a hematological malignancy.

In young children, the examination is performed most often in the presence of parents. The doctor looks for the beginning and the circumstances of onset of lameness, the existence of pain, their location and mechanical or inflammatory character, impaired general condition or a recent weight loss. He must also learn about the existence of personal and family history.

Lameness may be free or may occur only in the race, fatigue, passing station squatting to standing. We can, on the other hand, the suspect before the reluctance of children to engage in activities that usually likes.

Any lameness occurring in a child should be explored with a general review (looking especially with fever), a full orthopedic examination of the lower limbs and spine, and a neurological examination.

Additional tests must have at least one X-ray of the pelvis and hips profile (hip is frequently involved in children), a complete blood count, serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and speed sedimentation, biological markers of inflammation.

More sophisticated investigations (haematological and immunological tests, scans, nuclear magnetic resonance scanner) are reserved for difficult situations, which are also less frequent.