[Lameness in children: diagnostic process].

Abstract

A complete examination including the lower limb, the spine as well as a neurological exam must be done for every limp in children to eliminate an infectious process in particular. The complementary exams are guided by this clinical examination but standard assessment necessitate at least plain X-rays with an AP view of the pelvis and a lateral view of the hips, a blood count with the ESR and the CRP to eliminate rapidly a tumoral or an infectious process which requires quickly an appropriate treatment. In particular cases, this work-up must be repeated in association with other complementary exams to find the etiologic diagnosis. Bone pains in children are often secondary to a true pathologic process. All these examination and work-up must be done before classified them as "growing pain".