The patient was an 11-year-old boy who was referred to a physical therapist for a chief complaint of left anterior/lateral hip pain. Prior to referral to the physical therapist, radiographs were completed and interpreted as normal. Initially, his hip pain did not limit his participation in athletic activities; however, following a prescription of an exercise program, the patient reported worsening left hip pain that caused an inability to participate in lacrosse, as well as 2 episodes of severe night pain. The patient was immediately referred to his physician, where magnetic resonance imaging revealed signs most concerning for an infectious process/osteomyelitis in the region of the proximal femur and greater trochanter.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2013;43(2):106. doi:10.2519/jospt.2013.0404

KEY WORDS: magnetic resonance imaging, osteomyelitis, radiography