Hands and Wrists

The Department will periodically contact patients waiting for an outpatient clinic appointment via SMS, with a link to an electronic form.  This is part of routine waitlist auditing to ensure patient details are up to date.  If you receive this SMS, please update your details.

Availability

North South North West Statewide

Pre-referral work-up

History

Refer if functional impairment or if unresponsive to treatment for the following:

  • Stenosing tenosynovitis/tenovaginitis (e.g. trigger finger)
  • Ganglia – only if symptomatic
  • Painful/stiff wrists
  • Dupuytren's contractures

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

Tests

  • X-ray (AP & lateral wrist)
  • FBE, ESR & CRP if inflammation suspected

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 medications
  • Physiotherapy +/- splinting
  • Consider aspiration of ganglia and multiple puncture
  • Direct link to Health Pathways Hand and Wrist folder

For more information please see the Tasmanian Health Pathways website.

Emergency

Neurovascular compromise

Urgent / category 1

Avascular necrosis

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

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

Emergency:

Proceed to Emergency Department (ED).
LGH ED Reception  – Phone: (03) 6777 6405  Fax: (03) 6777 5201
MCH ED* – Phone: (03) 6478 5120  Fax: (03) 6441 5923
NWRH ED* – Phone: (03) 6493 6351 Fax: (03) 6464 1926
RHH ED Reception – Phone: (03) 6166 6100  Fax: (03) 6173 0489

Advice for medical practitioners can be given by the Medical Officer In Charge (MOIC) - see HealthPathways Tasmania for contact information.
*MCH and NWRH MOICs request GPs call them prior to referring a patient to ensure the patient is being sent appropriately to a safe destination.

Urgent:
Urgent referrals (including fractures) should be accompanied by a phone call to the Registrar to organise urgent review in clinic.

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

Semi-urgent:

We will endeavour to see these patients within 12 weeks

Routine:

Next available appointment