PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Mary Cruikshank
AU  - Athimalaipet V Ramanan
TI  - Fifteen-minute consultation: a structured approach to the management of a child or adolescent with back pain
AID  - 10.1136/archdischild-2013-304932
DP  - 2014 Dec 01
TA  - Archives of disease in childhood - Education & practice edition
PG  - 202--207
VI  - 99
IP  - 6
4099  - http://ep.bmj.com/content/99/6/202.short
4100  - http://ep.bmj.com/content/99/6/202.full
SO  - Arch Dis Child Educ Pract Ed2014 Dec 01; 99
AB  - Back pain in childhood is relatively unusual, although as a child matures through adolescence it becomes much more common. At any age, potentially serious illnesses need to be excluded. There are some useful red flags to be aware of when taking a history and performing an examination. We outline a systematic approach when faced with this clinical presentation in a general paediatric setting, with suggestions for initial investigations and when to consider referral to a specialist. Objective To provide a structured approach for the paediatrician to appropriately manage a child or adolescent who presents with back pain. Method Review of the literature and description of the approach commonly adopted in a paediatric setting. Extended matching case questions are used to help the reader test their understanding. Conclusions A focused history, specifically asking about red flags, and a careful examination are essential to reach an appropriate differential diagnosis and management plan. Onward referral to a specialist may be required.