Bayside Referral Assist

Eligibility

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

Fracture confirmed on imaging requiring orthopaedic outpatient follow-up

Red flags

Indicate urgent (Category 1) referral or emergency assessment.

Unstable fractures with gross deformity — refer to ED

Displaced and/or angulated fractures — refer to ED

Open fractures — refer to ED

Fractures with abnormal neurology — refer to ED

Fractures requiring reduction — refer to ED (call Admitting Officer 1800 ALFRED and Orthopaedic Registrar 9076 2000)

Routine referral criteria

Determine Category 2 or 3 urgency.

Grossly swollen or comminuted fractures (incl. POP requiring splitting) — review within 1–3 days

Fractures involving joint surfaces — review within 1–3 days

Fractures without definitive diagnosis (e.g. scaphoid, radial head, distal fibula) — review within 5–7 days

Undisplaced fractures — review within 7–10 days

Fractures reduced satisfactorily — review within 7–10 days

Usually managed in primary care

All urgent cases must be discussed with the Orthopaedic Surgery Registrar on call before faxing referral to 9076 6938