Emergency

If new diagnosis of Slipped Upper Femoral Epiphysis (SUFE) is present or suspected, please refer the patient to the emergency department (via ambulance if necessary) or seek emergency medical advice via phone to on-call consultant/registrar:

Note: all patients with SUFE require referral to the emergency department or direct contact with the local orthopaedic service. Patient should be advised to be non-weight bearing – using crutches (where practical) or a wheelchair, even when mild or stable due to the risk of progression. If completely unable to weight bear, urgent transfer by ambulance is required.

Criteria to access public outpatient services

CategoryCriteria
Category 1
Recommended to be seen within 30 calendar days.

New onset pain or disability following treatment in a patient with confirmed Slipped Upper Femoral Epiphysis (SUFE).

Note: If pain is severe, contact treating surgical team

Category 2
Recommended to be seen within 90 calendar days.

New onset pain or disability in a patient with confirmed SUFE with a current treatment plan.

Information to include within a referral

Required

  • Reason for referral.
  • Details of the presenting condition including evolution and duration of symptoms.
  • Provisional diagnosis.
  • Patient health summary (such as relevant medical history, relevant investigations, current medications and dosages, immunisations, allergies and/or adverse reactions), including specifically:
    • treatment prescribed
    • relevant family history
    • x-ray: pelvis - anterior to posterior (AP) and frog leg lateral views of both hips.

If available

  • Prior history of SUFE.
  • If the patient identifies as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
  • If the patient is considered 'at risk' and/or among a vulnerable, disadvantaged or priority population.
  • If the patient is suitable for virtual care or telehealth.
  • If the patient has special needs or requires reasonable adjustments to be made.
  • If the patient requires an interpreter (if so, list preferred language).

Important information for referring health professionals

If there is a change to a patient’s condition while waiting for their appointment, referring health professionals may further investigate and manage the situation, or send an updated referral to the outpatient service. Where there are significant concerns about a patient's condition, referring health professionals may check HealthPathways for urgent/same day advice or contact the relevant clinical team.

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Current as at: Monday 17 June 2024
Contact page owner: System Purchasing