A. Močnik
Splošna bolnišnica Jesenice, Jesenice

M. Bec
Pediatrična klinika, Univerzitetni klinčni center Ljubljana, Ljubljana

Abstract

When evaluating an acutely limping child, with or without pain, it is important to recognise the normal gait of a child, which only develops into the adult gait pattern at the age of eight. There are numerous causes of limping, including congenital disorders, infection, inflammation, degenerative diseases, neoplasms and trauma, which is the most common cause of limping and pain. Some diseases, which present with limping, more frequently appear in certain age groups. Rarely, limping can be a sign of a serious, even life-threatening condition hence evaluation of a limping child must be comprehensive and timely. Appropriate laboratory tests and especially image studies confirm the diagnosis.

Key words: limp, acute, gait, diagnostic procedures, differential diagnosis, treatment.