Acute Limping in a Young Child: Evaluation and Management Review

• A limp is a symptom and not a diagnosis.
• Important differences in musculoskeletal physiology and anatomy exist.
• The incidence of acute-onset limping in a child is not known in the US.
• The acute onset of a pediatric limp may be a diagnostic challenge in providing care and management.
• Increasing knowledge will support practitioneriagnostic cha.

The acute onset of a limp may be a diagnostic challenge in providing care and management within the pediatric population. The anatomy and physiology of a child's musculoskeletal system is quite different than an adult, requiring the practitioner to acknowledge specific etiologies that are prevalent within this population. A limp is a symptom and not a diagnosis, enforcing the importance of a thorough history and physical assessment to aid in narrowing the differential diagnoses. As the primary health care provider, the practitioner has an important role in accurately identifying, diagnosing, and managing conditions while providing resources to caregivers and patients.