title: [A Paediatric Orthopaedic outpatient clinic referral patterns].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this study was to identify the commonest referrals to a paediatric orthopaedic outpatient clinic and, therefore, to be able to improve the paediatric residency program in managing musculoskeletal problems.
  
  
  METHODS
  Demographic data, referrals and final diagnosis were collected prospectively on all patients that were evaluated in a paediatric orthopaedic outpatient clinic.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The majority of referrals were to evaluate musculoskeletal pain (37%), foot deformity (20%), spine deformity (15%), walking pattern (11%), alignment of the lower limbs (4%), and development of the hip (4%). A normal physical examination or a normal variation was observed in 42% of patients. A mild condition was observed in 17% of patients that should have only been referred to a paediatric orthopaedic clinic after failing to resolve pain with anti-inflammatories or physiotherapy. A mild deformity that only needed treatment if it became symptomatic was seen in 8% of patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The majority of referrals were due to a normal variation or mild conditions that only required symptomatic treatment. Paediatric residency programs do not reflect the prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions in clinical practice.
authors.affiliation: Unidad de Traumatología y Ortopedia Infantil, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, España. Electronic address: l.moraleda@yahoo.es.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Moraleda
authors.affiliation: Centro de Especialidades de Peñagrande, Madrid, España.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Castellote
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D009985:Orthopedics; D010372:Pediatrics; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012017:Referral and Consultation
keywords: Infantil; Motivos de consulta; Orthopaedic; Ortopedia; Paediatric; Referrals; Traumatología