Musculoskeletal problems at an accident and emergency department, and in general practice

A retrospective study of the numbers and range of musculoskeletal conditions presenting to the accident and emergency (A and E) department of a general hospital over two one-week periods, in February and May 1980 is described. Over a third of the patients had musculoskeletal disorders most commonly affecting the hand (19%), ankle (13%), foot (9%) and spine (8%). One in three cases involved fracture. As judged by a physiotherapist, only 20% of cases which should have been referred for physiotherapy were actually referred. The frequency and range of musculoskeletal conditions encountered in general practice, and the undergraduate curriculum for the musculoskeletal system at the Auckland Medical School is reviewed. Postgraduate education in the musculoskeletal system is essential where emphasis should be given to conditions of the hand and the spine.