Pediatria pre prax 1/2021

pGALS – an effective tool to identify musculoskeletal abnormalities in children

Musculoskeletal symptoms including pain are common in children. Their cause is frequently benign, and objective musculoskeletal examination is often normal. However, musculoskeletal symptoms may also be the presenting feature of serious orthopaedic, rheumatic, metabolic or other systemic diseases including malignancy. For the general paediatrician, early recognition of pathologic musculoskeletal findings can be challenging but appropriate examination is essential for the child. Radiological and laboratory assessment may not be helpful in the early stages of many diseases and only careful appropriate musculoskeletal clinical assessment may suggest a diagnosis. The pGALS (paediatric Gait Arms Legs Spine) tool is a reliable, validated and fast way to assess the musculoskeletal system in children that may aid the paediatrician to diagnosis and guide referral to specialized orthopaedic or rheumatologic care. Further information about pGALS and paediatric musculoskeletal medicine is available through the free and open website – Paediatric Musculoskeletal Matters http://www.pmmonline.org.

Keywords: pGALS, musculoskeletal pain, joint examination, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, mucopolysaccharidosis