Orthopaedics

Conditions

Please note this is not an exhaustive list of all conditions for outpatient services and does not exclude consideration for referral unless specifically stipulated in the out of scope section.

Paediatric services

Referrals for children and young people should follow the Children’s Health Queensland referral guidelines.

Orthopaedic Paediatric services are delivered on behalf of MNHHS at Redcliffe Hospital for people residing in the catchment area.

Emergency department referrals

All urgent cases must be discussed with the on call Registrar to obtain appropriate prioritisation and treatment. Contact through:

  • Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital (07) 3646 8111
  • The Prince Charles Hospital (07) 3139 4000
  • Redcliffe Hospital (07) 3883 7777
  • Caboolture Hospital (07) 5433 8888

Urgent cases accepted via phone must be accompanied with a written referral and a copy faxed immediately to the Central Patient Intake Unit: 1300 364 952.

If any of the following are present or suspected, please refer the patient to the emergency department (via ambulance if necessary) or seek emergent medical advice if in a remote region.

The list below includes common traumatic injuries that require referral to emergency and should not be referred for elective / fracture clinic categorisation

  • Clinically indicated e.g. suspected septic arthritis
    • Evidence of acute inflammation e.g: haemarthrosis, tense effusion

  • Suspected septic arthritis
  • Upper limb radiculopathy in the presence of suspected cervical spine infection
  • Acute development of peripheral nerve compression symptoms following trauma or acute event

  • Suspected septic arthritis
  • Knee extensor mechanism rupture
  • Suspected fracture
  • Evidence of acute inflammation for example
    • haemarthrosis
    • tense effusion
  • Suspected infection or sudden pain in arthroplasty
    • if joint infection is suspected refer immediately to emergency or contact the orthopaedic registrar on call.  Do not commence antibiotics unless delay to specialist review is likely

  • Suspected septic arthritis
  • Acute achilles tendon rupture

  • If any of the following are present or suspected, refer the patient to the emergency department (via ambulance if necessary) or seek emergent medical advice if in a remote region.
  • Actual or threatened cauda equina syndrome
    • bilateral nerve pain (leg pain below knees)
    • unexplained or unexpected loss of bladder or bowel function
    • perineal anaesthesia
    • progressive weakness
  • Spinal tumour with significant pain and/or neurological deficit
  • Clinical signs spinal nerve root compression or spinal cord compression with rapidly progressive neurological signs/symptoms
  • Spinal trauma with significant pain and/or neurological deficit
  • Spinal fractures demonstrated on imaging
  • Clinical suspicion of spinal infections
  • High risk of irreversible deficit if not assessed urgently

  • Acute cervical myelopathy
  • Acute back or neck pain secondary to neoplastic disease or infection
  • Spinal injuries
  • Suspected open fracture
  • Fracture requiring manipulation or operation
  • Suspected acute bone or joint infection
  • Acute high energy fracture with/without neurological abnormality
  • Injury associated with vascular compromise
  • Clavicle fracture
  • Osteoporotic / pathological fracture new abnormal neurology
  • Joint dislocations
  • Open injuries with possible tendon or joint involved
  • Nail bed injuries or retained foreign body
  • Knee extensor mechanism rupture
  • Acute peripheral nerve injury
  • Suspected acute compartment syndrome

  • Acute ligament injury
  • Tendon rupture
  • Compound ‘tooth knuckle’ injury

  • Open, unstable or suspected fractures

Timing of first review appointments at orthopaedic outpatient’s/fracture clinic

  • if there is documentation indicating adequate alignment and satisfactory initial treatment of fracture – to be seen within 14 days of referral
  • all other fracture cases, delayed presentation of tendon and nerve injuries - to be seen within 7 days of referral

Out of scope services

Not all services are funded in the Queensland public health system. The following are not routinely provided in a public Orthopeadic service.

  • Aesthetic or cosmetic surgery
  • Disability assessment (refer to HealthPathways)
  • Referrals for assessment prior to application for the Australian Defence Force or Queensland Police service

Clinic details

Royal Brisbane and Womens Hospital
Level 7, Ned Hanlon Building

The Prince Charles Hospital
Ground floor, Main Building

Redcliffe Hospital
Ground floor, Main Building

 

Specialists list

Send referral

Hotline: 1300 364 938

Medical Objects ID: MQ40290004P
HealthLink EDI: qldmnhhs

Mail: 
Metro North Central Patient Intake
Aspley Community Centre
776  Zillmere Road
ASPLEY QLD 4034

Health pathways

Access to Health Pathways is free for clinicians in Metro North Brisbane.

For login details email:
healthpathways@brisbanenorthphn.org.au

Login to Brisbane North Health Pathways:
brisbanenorth.healthpathwayscommunity.org

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