Takeaway

• In children, acute nontraumatic limp is usually benign, but serious diagnoses can be overlooked.
• Providers should include neoplasm, infection, fracture, and slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) in the differential diagnosis.
• Prospective studies of emergency department (ED)-specific diagnostic tools are needed.

Why this matters

• Acute nontraumatic limp in children usually stems...