The solitary swollen joint in an afebrile child: a practical approach

Abstract

Children frequently present in an acute setting with musculoskeletal complaints. A solitary swollen joint has a broad differential from benign and self-limiting to life or limb threatening. This article aims to describe the more common as well as troubling diagnoses including malignancy, infection and multi-systemic conditions and discusses variation in presentation, examination and investigations between these differentials. It offers a practical approach for health care professionals who encounter a child presenting with a solitary swollen joint without fever.