Diagnosis

PCP Evaluation/Management Options

PCP Guidelines for Referral to Specialist

Acquired Orthopedic Disorders

Evaluate limping child with history.

Facilitate referral as required and coordinate care after treatment plan established.

Consider referral after initial evaluation.

Developmental Disorders

Evaluate congenital and development disorders with physical exam.

Consider referral for reassurance that child will outgrow the condition.

Refer developmental dysplasia of hip and other congential abnormalities.

Inflammation of joints/Acquired Joint Disease

Provide instruction regarding stretching and palliative measures such as application of ice and heel cups.

Evaluate joint and limb pain.

Refer for septic joint.

Refer for evaluation of feasibility of physical therapy.

Refer to physical therapy if situation is unresolved or is not responding to stretching and exercise programs.

Refer if refractory to initial therapy.

Non-Articular Regional Musculoskeletal

Diagnose and treat bursitis/tendonitis, overuse syndromes and soft tissue syndromes.

Refer is ongoing pain is refractory to treatment after 4-8 weeks of intervention.

Scoliosis

Refer scoliosis of 20 degrees or more in any age group.

Sports Injuries

Evaluate overuse of sports related conditions

Refer depending on intensity of athletics and severity of condition.

Consider role of physical therapy as in intervention.

Trauma

Manage simple non-displaced fractures as appropriate.

Refer all acute trauma requiring special management.

Refer all fractures related to growth plate.

Refer unresolving sprains.