Symptomatic prostheses (joint replacements, rods, plates, screws or pins)

Symptomatic orthopaedic hardware.

Eligibility

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

Symptomatic prosthesis / hardware with X-ray (looking for translucency or lysis around implant)

Red flags

Indicate urgent (Category 1) referral or emergency assessment.

Suspected infection — contact Orthopaedic Registrar IMMEDIATELY on 9076 2000 (do not commence antibiotics)

Symptoms of septic arthritis — contact Orthopaedic Registrar IMMEDIATELY

Routine referral criteria

Determine Category 2 or 3 urgency.

New or increasing pain in a previously well-functioning arthroplasty — refer fairly urgently

Prominent metal or ulceration over hardware

Hardware-related pain or refracture risk in patient under 40 years (consider removal)

Usually managed in primary care