Overview of the clinical assessment of musculoskeletal symptoms in children and adolescents

This topic offers general practitioners an approach to the assessment of children and adolescents with musculoskeletal symptoms, concentrating on clinical assessment and supportive investigations. For advice on the assessment of adults, see Clinical assessment of musculoskeletal symptoms in adults.

Musculoskeletal symptoms in children and adolescents are commonly seen in primary care. Most cases are associated with noninflammatory conditions and management aims to provide reassurance and counselling regarding their cause. Musculoskeletal pain associated with benign mechanical and trauma-related conditions (often related to overuse) is far more common than inflammatory musculoskeletal pain in children and adolescents.