Assessment of atraumatic knee conditions in children

The Minimum information for referrals to non-admitted specialist services lists the information that should be included in a referral request.

Eligibility

At least one must be met for the patient to be eligible for referral.

Clinically suspected or confirmed assessment of atraumatic knee conditions in children with initial primary-care work-up completed

Red flags

Indicate urgent (Category 1) referral or emergency assessment.

Concern for non-accidental injury

Locked knee where the joint cannot be moved at all

Osteochondral defect (or other loose body)

Suspected joint infection (e.g. child is unwell, listless, flushed, anorexic or is febrile)

Suspected or confirmed malignancy

Routine referral criteria

Determine Category 2 or 3 urgency.

Usually managed in primary care

Osgood-Schlatter disease or Sinding-Larsen-Johansson syndrome where the symptoms have responded to medical management
Recurrent patellar dislocation where non-surgical treatment modalities have not been trialled
Physiological bow legs that have resolved
Physiological knocked knees that have resolved