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Orthopaedics · Refer Your Patient
Copied from the official Gold Coast Health condition page (27 Aug 2026). Hospital triage assigns the official category. Live source: Refer Your Patient — Limping child/reluctant to weight bear.
Cat 1 · 30 days
appointment within 30 calendar days. - Concerns for missed Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) - 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 NB: Please see acute criteria or to refer to ED if systemic symptoms/concern of infection/trauma of NAI
Cat 2 · 90 days
appointment within 90 calendar days. - Perthes, mild DDH - Limp persists > 6/52
Cat 3 · 365 days
appointment within 365 calendar days. - No category 3 criteria
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 (preceding infections, rate of onset, duration of limp/pain, features of systemic disease with joint involvement) - assessment of gait (features/patterns) - assessment of spine - treatment prescribed (analgesics, physiotherapy) - current and past medical history and medications - relevant family history associated to DDH - FBC - CRP - ESR - X-ray – pelvis (AP, lateral, frog lateral or lateral hip) - Ultrasound – hip as appropriate or if concerned for septic arthritis - Confirmation of OOHC (where appropirate)
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
Sign in for localised assessment and management. HealthPathways does not send the referral. Register: gchealthpathways@health.qld.gov.au