Foot and ankle 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 foot and ankle trauma in children with initial primary-care work-up completed

Red flags

Indicate urgent (Category 1) referral or emergency assessment.

Achilles avulsion fracture

Dislocation of any joint in the foot or ankle

Distal phalanx fractures with any associated nail bed injury or subungual haematoma

Fractures unable to achieve or maintain reduction

Fractures with neurovascular injury, skin tenting or extreme swelling/compartment syndrome

Open fractures

Talar neck fractures

Tillaux, triplane and physeal fractures of the distal tibia

Routine referral criteria

Determine Category 2 or 3 urgency.

Suspected or confirmed Lisfranc injury

Nondisplaced or minimally displaced fractures of the distal tibia, fibula, tarsal bones or metatarsals (excluding the fifth metatarsal)

Displaced articular fractures of the phalanges

Osteochondral fracture of the talar dome

Suspected or confirmed injuries to the syndesmosis

Achilles tendon rupture

Usually managed in primary care

Ankle sprains
Small avulsion fractures of the fibula or tarsal with no other bone or joint injury

Recommendation

Referral criteria not met

Patient does not meet Statewide Referral Criteria. Reassess if condition changes.