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An approach to hip pain in a young adult

BMJ 2018; 361 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.k1086 (Published 19 April 2018) Cite this as: BMJ 2018;361:k1086
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Diagnosing young adults with hip pain

An approach

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Re: An approach to hip pain in a young adult

The article by Dick et al covers in detail the management of hip pain in the young adult. The important differential of primary bone sarcoma is however glossed over with a very brief mention in Box 1. Whilst rare, both osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma occur around the pelvis and proximal femur in the young adult.
Any patient of this age with progressive pain or night pain should be referred for urgent radiographic assessment to rule out a primary malignant bone tumour. Early diagnosis is essential in these patients as the disease can be rapidly progressive.

Competing interests: No competing interests

22 April 2018
Robert U Ashford
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
Nicholas C. Eastley
East Midlands Sarcoma Service
Leicester Royal Infirmary
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