Musculoskeletal Pathways

Suspected acute fractures or Achilles rupture should be referred directly to secondary care for evaluation and management.

 

Where there is uncertainty following trauma, subacute presenting history or suspected stress fractures should undergo X-ray assessment. The Ottowa appropriateness rules should be followed for ankle injuries.

 

Osteoarthritis is predominantly a clinical diagnosis but can undergo xray assessment if required to assess severity if referral is being planned for severe pain, deformity or functional limitation

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US directed steroid injections should be arranged via MSK service or orthopaedics

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MRI of the foot or ankle should NOT be requested by primary care and will be rejected