Warning

Primary care management

  • Assess to rule out serious pathology or red flags.
  • Encourage weight loss if overweight - refer to weight management service if BMI > 40
  • Encourage self management via NHS inform
  • Analgesia as required
  • Signpost to Single Access Point for self referral to physio

If ongoing symptoms

  • refer for x-ray - pelvis AP with marker (if under 50 also request lateral hip

Refer

Consult orthopaedic on-call or Emergency Department:

  • Trauma
  • Rapid deterioration
  • Suspected cancer
  • Previous surgery

 

Urgent orthopaedic outpatient referral:

  • Avascular necrosis
  • >50 with severe symptoms

 

Refer to MSK physio via SCI-gateway

  • for ongoing OA symptoms. No need to dual refer to orthopaedics.
  • Trochanteric bursitis
  • Gait disorders/mobility assessment (not falls)
  • Instability
  • Labral tear
  • Connective tissue disorders

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 12/11/2024

Next review date: 12/11/2026

Reviewer name(s): Gayle McCaig.