Module 35, General Medical Level

A 2 year and 6 month old white male presented to clinic with a 2-3 month history of limping on the right lower extremity. There was no history of trauma to the extremity, or a history of constitutional symptoms such as fever, chills, sweats, malaise or weight loss. Prenatal, perinatal and postnatal course were all normal.


Question 35A

A physical examination should focus on an thorough neurological examination of the lower extremity, joint and muscle examination.


Question 35B

After a complete physical examination was found to be normal, no further work up is indicated and he should be followed up in 4-6 weeks to determine if the limping resolves or gets worse.


Question 35C

If the physical examination finds a question of decreased right hip range of motion, The next step should be to obtain an x-ray.


Question 35D

This history of a limping child should raise a high suspicion of child abuse or non-accidental trauma.


Question 35E

During the examination a soft tissue mass is found on the lateral side of the left knee. The next step of the work up is to obtain a MRI scan of the knee.


Go to Next Question Module, Go to General Orthopaedist Level Modules, Go to Question Module Home Page, Go to Case Presentation Home Page, Orthopaedic Department Home Page.