Neck pain and radicular arm pain with neurological deficit

Cervical radiculopathy with motor/sensory deficit.

Eligibility

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

Neck pain with radicular arm pain and confirmed neurological deficit; X-ray (AP & lateral cervical spine), CT/MRI as indicated

Red flags

Indicate urgent (Category 1) referral or emergency assessment.

Cervical myelopathy — direct to ED (call Admitting Officer 1800 ALFRED)

Acute neck pain with radicular muscle power deficit — contact Orthopaedic Registrar immediately for urgent assessment

Routine referral criteria

Determine Category 2 or 3 urgency.

Acute neck pain with radicular sensory deficit only — refer urgent or routine depending on severity

Functional impairment with confirmed neurology on examination/imaging