Clavicle and shoulder trauma 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 clavicle and shoulder trauma in children with initial primary-care work-up completed

Red flags

Indicate urgent (Category 1) referral or emergency assessment.

Routine referral criteria

Determine Category 2 or 3 urgency.

First episode of shoulder trauma or dislocation in a patient — at risk of further dislocations due to ongoing high-impact activities

First episode of shoulder trauma or dislocation in a patient — at risk of instability due to structural pathology

First episode of shoulder trauma or dislocation in a patient — multidirectional instability associated with overhead movements

Acute full thickness cuff tear with functional impairment (including following dislocation)

Child older than 14 years with completely displaced clavicle fractures (that is off ended)

Persistent pain (longer than 2 weeks) not improving at the fracture site, with ongoing disability

Usually managed in primary care

First episode of shoulder trauma or dislocation without any of the following risk factors — at risk of further dislocations due to ongoing high-impact activities
First episode of shoulder trauma or dislocation without any of the following risk factors — multidirectional instability associated with overhead movements
First episode of shoulder trauma or dislocation without any of the following risk factors — at risk of instability due to structural pathology
Acute full thickness cuff tear without functional impairment following dislocation