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Orthopaedics · Refer Your Patient
Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH)
Copied from the official Gold Coast Health condition page (27 Aug 2026). Hospital triage assigns the official category. Live source: Refer Your Patient — Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH).
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Cat 1 · 30 days
appointment within 30 calendar days. - Abnormal clinical examination
- positive Ortolani’s or Barlow’s test
- limited hip abduction
- leg length discrepancy*
- Patient with family history of DDH
- Patient who was breech presentation at birth**
- A child currently in out of home care (OOHC) or at risk of entering or leaving OOHC, where they have previously been on a waiting list for this problem and were removed without receiving a service
*should trigger ultrasound and x-ray
**breech presenting in utero or a positive family history of DDH are absolute indications for an USS by 6/52 of age
Cat 2 · 90 days
appointment within 90 calendar days. - Mild hip dysplasia in infants, noted on x-ray with normal clinical examination
Cat 3 · 365 days
appointment within 365 calendar days. - Mild hip dysplasia in adolescence and children, noted on x-ray with normal clinical examination
Essential referral information
Referral will be returned without this. If a mandatory test cannot be obtained, say so in the referral.
- Clinical history and examination including key points:
- evolution and duration of symptoms
- treatment prescribed (analgesics, physiotherapy)
- current and past medical history and medications
- relevant family history of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip
- Hip ultrasound if aged under six months (paediatric ultrasound service if possible)
- Plain X-ray if aged over six months (paediatric radiology service if possible)
- Confirmation of OOHC (where appropriate)
If a specific test result cannot be obtained due to access, financial, religious, cultural or consent reasons a clinical override may be requested. This reason must be clearly articulated in the body of the referral.
Out of scope / wrong door
The following conditions are out of scope for this service:
- Aesthetic or cosmetic surgery
- Disability assessment (refer to HealthPathways)
- Referrals for assessment prior to application for the Australian Defence Force or Queensland Police Service
Parent service: Orthopaedics
Send outpatient referrals to
- Smart Referrals preferred (Best Practice or Medical Director)
- Medical Objects GQ42150009Z (lookup qh → QHEALTH, GOLD COAST HEALTH OUTPATIENT)
- HealthLink EDI Qldgchsd
- Fax (07) 5687 4497 — Booking and Referral Centre
- Post: Booking and Referral Centre, Gold Coast University Hospital, 1 Hospital Boulevard, Southport QLD 4215
- Clinic enquiries 1300 559 083
How to refer — full order
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