Musculoskeletal

Referrals to orthopaedics for children under the age of 16 years with musculoskeletal problems are triaged by the APP in paediatric orthopaedics.

Unless it is clear that the child needs to see an orthopaedic consultant for surgical consideration, initially the children are likely to be seen in a practitioner clinic.

APPs in paediatric orthopaedics see conditions such as:

• Musculoskeletal pain (eg commonly back, hip, knee, feet)
• Alignment concerns (eg flat feet, knock knees, bow legs, intoeing gait)

Assessment will include taking a history of the concerns and symptoms and a physical examination. Appropriate clothing should be worn or brought to the appointment to allow this (such as shorts for lower limb concerns).

The APP in paediatric orthopaedics are specialist physiotherapists with further training and expertise in children’s orthopaedics. They can request further investigations as required such as X-rays and blood tests if indicted. If further intervention such as physiotherapy treatment, orthotic management or surgical consideration is indicated, appropriate referrals will be made.