The child with acute leg pain.

Diagnostic imaging is an essential component in the evaluation of a child with acute lower extremity pain or limp. Most, but not all, of the etiologies are traumatic. Frequently, the history and clinical examination are not specific. Radionuclide bone imaging is extremely rewarding in these circumstances. It represents the most useful examination used in evaluating the pathophysiology and full extent of the disorder. This article discusses the clinical presentation, pathophysiology, and characteristic imaging observations in the more common problems associated with hip and/or leg pain.