Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 26, 2025
Pseudofracture: An Acute Peripheral Tissue Trauma Model
Published on: April 18, 2011
Child with prolonged leg pain and bruising
Emma Bailey1, Alaa Ali1, Fatima Kagalwala1
1Department of Paediatrics, Lister Hospital, Stevenage, UK.
Insights
A 12-year-old boy presented with leg pain and bruising, leading to mobility loss. Further assessment was needed to determine the cause of his symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Genetics
- Neurology
Background:
- A 12-year-old boy with autism and 15q13.3 deletion presented with a 4-month history of symptoms.
- Maternal learning difficulties complicated the patient's history.
- The patient experienced a significant weight loss of 6 kg.
Observation:
- Progressive worsening of leg pain and bruising over 4 months.
- Reduced mobility, progressing from difficulty weight-bearing to being wheelchair-bound.
- Examination revealed extensive edema and bruising in the legs, more pronounced on the right.
Findings:
- No history of trauma was reported.
- The patient remained afebrile throughout the illness.
- Clinical stability was maintained despite symptom progression.
Implications:
- The case highlights the diagnostic challenges in pediatric patients with complex backgrounds.
- Further investigation is crucial to identify the underlying cause of leg pain, bruising, and mobility loss.
- Understanding the etiology is essential for appropriate management and intervention.
Abstract:
A 12-year-old boy was admitted to the paediatric ward with a 4-month history of worsening pain and bruising to his legs, which had resulted in a progressive reduction in his mobility. He initially had had difficulty weight bearing, which had then progressed further making him wheelchair bound. On examination, there was extensive bruising (figure 1) to his oedematous legs, worse on his right leg compared with his left. His background of autism and 15q13.3 deletion, along with maternal learning difficulties, made deciphering a clear history difficult. However, there was no account of trauma, and he had been afebrile throughout his illness. He had though lost 6 kg in weight but remained clinically stable. He was admitted to the ward for further assessment.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
01:26Varicose Veins I: Introduction
01:27Assessment of the Cardiovascular System III: Palpation
Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) Measurement
Position the patient at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle or in a semi-fowler's position. Look for the highest point of pulsation in the internal jugular vein and measure the vertical distance to the angle of Loius or sternal angle. A normal JVP is 3-4 cm above...
01:16Bones of the Lower Limb: Femur and Patella
01:29Cardiovascular System Abnormal Findings I: Inspection and Palpation
Abnormal findings observed during an inspection
01:26Peripheral Artery Disease IV: Nursing Management