“Getting the right patient, to the right place at the right time, every time should be the goal of the triage system and the triage team.”
What Is Orthopaedic Triage?
Orthopaedic triage is the first step in identifying and determining the right treatment for a bone, joint, muscle, tendon, or ligament injury. During an orthopaedic triage assessment, a healthcare professional reviews your symptoms, asks questions about how the injury happened, and may look at your X-rays, MRI, CT scan, or ultrasound images. This helps identify how serious your injury is and what type of care you need.
Many people with sprains, muscle strains, tendon injuries, arthritis, sports injuries, and stable fractures can begin with a virtual orthopaedic assessment. An online orthopaedic consultation allows you to receive expert advice from home, often without waiting for an in-person appointment,
Patient Safety is #1
Not all injuries or conditions are considered appropriate for a virtual telehealth consultation.
Suitable for a Virtual Assessment
- Sprains
- Muscle strains
- Tendinopathies
- Osteoarthritis
- Stable fractures
- Postoperative follow-up
- Progress of rehabilitation
- Review of medical imaging results
The following injuries and conditions are not considered appropriate for a virtual telehealth consultation. Patients with any of the following conditions should be referred to a doctor for a face-to-face physical examination.
Not Suitable for a Virtual Assessment
- Open fractures
- Suspected compartment syndrome
- Septic arthritis
- Neurovascular damage
- Acute dislocations
- Polytrauma
See Translations below
That being said there are many serious injuries where a patient must be seen face-to-face by a healthcare professional before proceeding with treatment.
Orthopaedic triage is important because it helps patients to get the right care at the right time. Early assessment can reduce pain, improve recovery, prevent complications, and help you return to work, sports, and everyday activities sooner.
Whether an injury requires self-care, physiotherapy, sports medicine, imaging, or referral to an orthopaedic surgeon, orthopaedic triage helps ensure you receive the care that best matches your condition.
Don’t guess about your injury. A professional orthopaedic triage assessment can provide answers, reassurance, and a clear treatment plan to help you recover safely and confidently.
Click on the triage links below to learn how bone and joint injuries are triaged for patient safety
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