$Unique_ID{BRK01556}
$Pretitle{Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue}
$Title{Hip Pain in Children}
$Subject{hip pain child}
$Volume{M-17}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Hip Pain in Children


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QUESTION:  Although my son is not a chronic complainer, he has been telling me
of a pain in his hip for sometime now.  He is only 14, so I don't think it is
arthritis yet, and I neither wish to spend money at a doctor's office or make
my son think that every little complaint deserves attention, but I don't want
to overlook anything either.  Is it possible something is really wrong?

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ANSWER:  There are many problems that lead to hip pain in children, and
diagnosis is often difficult.
     Sometimes hip pain can actually be a signal of a problem in another part
of the body, such as the groin, thigh or the knee.  Early recognition of what
the problem is it important and the key to successful treatment.
     The hip joint is the largest joint in the body.  It is a ball and socket
joint, with several ligaments, allowing extensive movement.  Hip problems in
children may first present themselves as a painless limp.
     One of the diseases that causes hip pain in youngsters between the ages
of 3 to 12 is Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease.  In this disease, part of the hip
actually wastes away, becomes absorbed by the body, and is eventually
regenerated.  If this problem is caught early, deformity will be minimized and
so will the resulting disability.
     Another hip problem--slipped capital femoral epiphysis--(movement of the
growing portion of the bone) occurs during the adolescent growth spurt,
usually between the ages of 9 and 16
     Transient synovitis--which causes swelling and inflammation of the
hip--and tuberculosis of the hip are also possible causes of your son's
problem, and there are many more.
     This is no condition to fool around with.  Take your son to a doctor as
soon as possible.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
