Previous Surgery including Arthroplasty/Pins/Plates

This condition is treated in the Orthopaedic surgery clinic.

Pre-referral work-up

History

Removal of plates, screws and pins:

• Most metal implants are not removed
• Consider referral if painful or risk refracture
• Consider removal if under 40 years
• Refer back to original provider if possible

Arthroplasty, including knee, shoulder, elbow, ankle:

• New or increasing pain in a previously well-functioning arthroplasty should be reviewed fairly urgently

All referrals should comply to referral standards and include in particular:

• Duration of condition
• Conservative management undertaken
• Previous surgery on area

Tests

• X-ray
• FBE
• ESR
• CRP

Interim/GP management

To refer a patient with this condition, please see the Orthopaedic Surgery clinic page for the full referral process and templates.

For more information please see the HealthPathways Tasmania website.

Clinic appointments

🚩 Red location flags are clinical indicators of possible serious underlying conditions requiring further medical intervention. They may or may not indicate an emergency.

Urgent (Category 1)

🚩 If infection suspected, contact Orthopaedic Registrar, particularly if there are symptoms of septic arthritis

We will endeavour to see these patients within four weeks, or sooner if clinically indicated.

Availability

North

Launceston General Hospital (Level 2)
Phone: 1300 977 694
Fax: 03 6777 5203

Note: The easiest way to access the clinic is through the Frankland Street entrance (near Cafeteria)

North West

North West Regional Hospital
Phone: 6493 6300
Fax: 6464 1928

Mersey Community Hospital
Phone: 6478 5500 
Fax: 6441 5928

South

Wellington Clinics (Level 12)
Phone: 03 6166 0000
Fax: 03 6234 9636