Table 1.

Categorization of referrals for common paediatric orthopaedic conditions

Category	Urgency	Description	Definition	Example
1	Emergent	Life- and limb-threatening conditions	No delay	Compartment syndrome
2	Urgent	Condition will worsen if not seen within 1 wk	< 7 days	The limping child
3	Semi-elective	Potential for worse outcome if delayed > 3 mths	Appointment delayed 3 mths	Clubfoot
4	Elective	Potential for optimal outcome decreased if not seen within 3 to 12 months	Appointment delayed 3 to 12 months	Limb-length discrepancy