Orthopaedic Guidelines

Acute orthopaedic plaster casting

• This guideline provides an overview of cast management for all clinicians involved in the management and care provision of patients in, or requiring orthopaedic casts. The purpose of this guideline is to reduce cast related pressure injuries; skin complications and; casting errors, through evidence based practice.

Sedation for fracture management

• This guideline outlines the expected level of analgesia and sedation required for fracture management. 

Fracture guidelines

Upper limb:

• Clavicle fractures

• Proximal humeral fractures

• Diaphyseal humeral fractures

• Medial epicondyle fractures

• Lateral condyle fracture of the humerus

• Supracondylar (SC) fractures

• Monteggia fracture dislocations

• Olecranon fractures

• Radius and ulna shaft (diaphyseal) fractures

• Distal radius and ulna fractures

• Galeazzi fracture dislocations

• Scaphoid fractures

Lower limb:

• Management of tibia, fibula and ankle injuries

• Management of femur, hip and pelvis injuries

• Management of injuries of the foot

• Acute knee injury

Orthopaedic procedure guidelines

• Hip spica care

• Neurovascular assessment

• K-wire removal

• Traction

• External fixator device care

• Cast splitting

• Home IV antibiotics

Orthopaedics: Infective

• Osteomyelitis guideline

• Osteomyelitis pathway

• Antibiotic choice for open paediatric fractures