Three common causes of childhood hip pain.

Disorders of the hip that result in pain during childhood are not random and chaotic events. The work of numerous investigators demonstrates that each condition has distinguishing characteristics. These characteristics are found in the manner of presentation, the physical examination, and the diagnostic study. Familiarity, with these conditions, attention to the details of the patients' history, and a careful eye for the details of physical examination allow skillful physicians to devise a plan of investigation that results in a successful diagnosis.