Evaluation of the limping child

Limping in children is common and may arise from a spectrum of disorders ranging from normal variations in gait development, through to potentially life threatening systemic disease. In this review we take the reader through the normal development of gait, then discuss normal variants of gait in order to identify pathological gait patterns. We aim to provide a framework for the holistic clinical assessment of the limping child and review in more detail some of the commoner diseases associated with limping. Finally some of the commoner pitfalls to establishing a correct diagnosis are presented along with suggestions that may help to improve the diagnostic yield.