ABSTRACT
When approaching the child with a limp care must be taken to maintain the confidence of the child during the examination and not to inflict unnecessary pain. Watching the child walk will indicate the side of the limp. Examination starts on the normal side. Each joint and bone is observed for evidence of trauma and inflammation. The whole length of the limb is palpated for tenderness and skin temperature. Each joint is examined for effusion and range of movement. This examination should reveal the side and likely site of pathology.
