Musculoskeletal Trauma (MSKT) protocol for primary care x-ray referral (Guidelines)

TAM (Treatments and Medicines) NHS Highland
NHS Highland

Objectives

Audience

  • North NHS Highland only
  • Primary care only
  • Adults and children

To support prompt x-ray imaging of extremity injuries for patients attending via primary care route, reducing A&E attendances or delay to imaging/treatment. Appropriate referral to A&E or discharge back to referring clinician will be resultant from radiographer review.

MSKT referral pathway

Patient attendance for MSK related injury

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Review and determine appropriate clinical pathway

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Immediate or early presentation, potential axial injury, splinting required: A&E/MIU should be considered most appropriate route

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Delayed presentation (eg. 1 week): consider MSKT protocol

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Complete interactive radiology referral form (hand written forms will not be accepted)

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Completed form should be given to the patient and advised to attend x-ray the same day. Mon to Fri 9am to 4pm (excludes pubic holidays)

In the event of positive findings, the patient will be asked to attend A&E/MIU for review/appropriate treatment. This will be recorded in the formal report.

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 27/08/2026

Next review date: 27/08/2029

Author(s): Radiology.

Version: 1

Approved By: TAM Subgroup of the ADTC

Reviewer name(s): S Murdoch, Radiographer.

Document Id: TAM803