Knee osteoarthritis

Who to Refer

• Moderate to severe OA which has failed non operative treatment

Urgent Referral Criteria

• Avascular necrosis or bone death
• Suspected infection or tumour

Who Not to Refer

• Mild arthritis
• Those who have not had analgesia and physiotherap

Additional Info

• Unlikely to do TKR unless severe bone on bone OA
• Unlikely to operate on BMI >40
• Consideration of uni-compartmental replacement in severe medial joint line OA patients (with no degen changes in lateral joint line and PFJ)

How to refer

We accept referrals through SCI gateway for those who are based in Scotland.

We also accept e-referrals through the below email address using the attached form for those who are based just on the other side of the border. 

E- Referral Email address - bor.orthoreferrals@borders.scot.nhs.uk

Referral form - E-Referral to Orthopaedics (Non Sci-Gateway)      

• Physio rehab- strengthening over extended period
• Regular maximum multimodal analgesia
• Walking aid
• Education
• CSI X 2-3 if possible
• BMI >35 engage in wellbeing support

Primary Knee Pathway  - developed by First Contact Practitioners Primary Knee Pathway

orthopaedics@borders.scot.nhs.uk  

bor.orthoreferrals@borders.scot.nhs.uk