Initial evaluation of a child with arthritis--an algorithmic approach.

Arthritis is one of the less common, yet challenging problems that may confront a pediatrician. The potential pathology is diverse ranging from the benign with a good prognosis to the serious and ultimately fatal. From a spot diagnosis to conditions that evolve over time, few other conditions challenge and stimulate the clinical acumen. Several diagnoses can be made clinically with the laboratory investigations providing additional support. An approach through which the clinician seeks answers through a logical sequence of questions is presented to help shortlist the possible diagnosis.