Pictorial Review of Paediatric Limp

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Orthopedics
• Radiology
• Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

• A limp is an abnormal gait resulting from pain, weakness, or structural issues in the lower extremities, spine, or abdominopelvic region.
• Pediatric limps have diverse etiologies, ranging from benign conditions to life-threatening diseases like trauma, congenital malformations, and neoplasms.
• Accurate diagnosis is crucial and involves a thorough history, physical examination, and targeted imaging studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present an imaging review of common and uncommon causes of limping in children.
• To categorize and illustrate these causes across different pediatric age groups: toddlers (1-3 years), children (4-10 years), and adolescents (11-16 years).
• To provide a comprehensive literature review on the diagnostic imaging of pediatric limps.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review focusing on imaging modalities for pediatric limps.
• Categorization of limp etiologies based on age groups.
• Illustrative examples of radiological findings for various conditions causing limps.

Main Results:

• The review covers a spectrum of conditions, including but not limited to trauma, infections, inflammatory conditions, congenital abnormalities, and neoplasms.
• Specific imaging findings characteristic of different causes of limps in toddlers, children, and adolescents are detailed.
• Emphasis on the role of imaging in differentiating benign from serious underlying pathologies.

Conclusions:

• Limping in children necessitates a systematic diagnostic approach, with imaging playing a pivotal role.
• Understanding the age-specific prevalence of limp causes aids in efficient diagnosis.
• This imaging review serves as a valuable resource for clinicians managing pediatric patients with gait abnormalities.