Borut Kovačić
Ortopedska klinika, Univerzitetni klinični center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenija

Eta Mijoč Ocepek
Ortopedska klinika, Univerzitetni klinični center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenija

Tanja Slokar
Ortopedska klinika, Univerzitetni klinični center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenija

Igor Potparić
Ortopedska klinika, Univerzitetni klinični center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenija

Abstract

Musculoskeletal pain is one of the most common reasons for pediatric visits. Although the causes are often benign, such as growing pains or overuse syndromes, similar symptoms may also conceal serious orthopedic conditions, including Perthes disease, slipped capital femoral epiphysis, or neoplasms. This article presents the diagnostic approach to children with joint pain and provides a detailed overview of the most frequent orthopedic entities, emphasizing the importance of recognizing red flags and timely collaboration between the pediatrician and the orthopedic surgeon.

Key words: musculoskeletal pain, growing pains, patellofemoral pain syndrome, transient synovitis, Perthes disease, slipped capital femoral epiphysis, juvenile osteochondroses, neoplasms