Critical Diagnoses to Consider in the Assessment of Pediatric Patients Presenting with Limp in the Rheumatology Ward: A Cross-Sectional Study

Document Type : RESEARCH PAPER

Authors

1 1 Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran 2 Clinical Research Development Unit, Akbar Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

2 Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

10.22038/abjs.2024.79948.3652

Abstract

Objectives: Limping is a frequent reason for visits to emergency departments. The causes of limping in 
children are various, ranging from benign musculoskeletal problems to serious etiologies, such as 
malignancy and infections.
Methods: In this recent cross-sectional study, we evaluated the causes of limps in children referred to the pediatric 
rheumatology ward in northeast Iran. We collected clinical characteristics and demo-graphic data of patients with 
musculoskeletal limping and documented laboratory tests and other para-clinical findings. Statistical analysis was 
performed in SPSS software (version 23). A P-value < 0.05 was concluded to be statistically significant.
Results: Our study investigated 95 pediatric patients with limping referred to the rheumatology department, the 
majority of whom exhibited acute-onset limping (≤2 days). The most common reason for hospitalization in the 
rheumatology ward was transient synovitis (43.1%), followed by other causes of reactive arthritis (15.7%). Acute 
lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) accounted for limping in 6% of the patients, while benign and malignant bone tumors, 
including osteoid osteoma, osteosarcoma, and Ewing sarcoma, contributed to limping in 4.2% of cases.
Conclusion: While the cause of limping in children is mostly benign, it is crucial to recognize that the causes may 
not solely stem from musculoskeletal problems. In instances where the musculoskeletal sys-tem is involved, 
infections of the joints and bones should also be considered.
 Level of evidence: IV

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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The Archives of Bone and Joint Surgery
Volume 12, Issue 12
December 2024
Pages 854-858

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History

  • Receive Date: 27 May 2024
  • Revise Date: 24 September 2024
  • Accept Date: 25 September 2024

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