Shoulders

This condition is treated in the Orthopaedic surgery clinic.

Pre-referral work-up

History

Refer to clinics if patient fails to respond to treatment or shows evidence of weakness and a history of trauma for the following:

• Rotator cuff tendonitis/tears (only in patients under 70 years)
• Pain/stiffness in shoulder including frozen shoulder
• AC joint problems
• Recurrent dislocation on instability of shoulder
• Shoulder instability

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

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

Tests

• X-ray (True AP, scapular lateral and axillary lateral shoulder)
  • Must have X-RAY, regardless of USS/MRI or other imaging
• U/S scan
• Consider 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.

• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Physiotherapy
• Cortisone injection if appropriate
• Direct link to Health Pathways Shoulder or Humeral fractures folder

For more information please see the HealthPathways Tasmania website.

RACGP Referral for Joint Replacement: A management guide for health providers

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.

Emergency

🚩 Neurovascular compromise

If you, or someone else, are experiencing a serious and life-threatening injury or illness call triple zero (000) immediately or go to the nearest Emergency Department.

Learn more about when to access emergency care and non-emergency care options if the injury or illness is not serious or life-threatening.

Urgent (Category 1)

🚩 Recent trauma with evidence of weakness suggestive of acute rotator cuff tear

🚩 Avascular necrosis

🚩 Fractures that have been treated with initial management in ED or General Practice

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