Other non-traumatic shoulder conditions

Eligibility

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

Functional impairment persisting despite ≥3 months of physiotherapy/rehab and medications (NSAIDs, paracetamol or corticosteroid injection)

Red flags

Indicate urgent (Category 1) referral or emergency assessment.

Acutely septic prosthetic joint — refer to ED

Suspected septic arthritis — refer to ED

Suspected malignancy — refer to ED

Pathological fracture — refer to ED

Routine referral criteria

Determine Category 2 or 3 urgency.

Non-traumatic acromioclavicular (AC) joint problem with persistent functional impairment

Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) with persistent functional impairment

Chronic rotator cuff tear with persistent functional impairment

Shoulder tendinopathy with persistent functional impairment

Existing shoulder replacement with new pain, loosening or other concern

Usually managed in primary care

Non-traumatic shoulder pain without functional impairment
Frozen shoulder / cuff tear / tendinopathy where ≥3 months of physio and medications has not been trialled