Orthopaedic assessment journey

For many New Zealanders newly diagnosed with arthritis or other joint problems, being referred for an orthopaedic assessment can feel like stepping into the unknown. What happens at the hospital? Who will you see? What choices will you have?

An orthopaedic assessment is the first stage in the orthopaedic assessment journey. Many health professionals also call it the MSK hospital pathway. This journey helps guide the best treatment for joint, bone, or muscle conditions. When your GP notices a concern, they send a referral letter to the hospital. Once the referral is accepted, you’ll be sent an appointment date and time. This first face-to-face meeting is your chance to talk with the hospital team about your pain, movement, and how arthritis is affecting your daily life.

Depending on your needs, you may see:

• An orthopaedic surgeon
• An advanced clinical practice physiotherapist
• An orthopaedic registrar
• A clinical nurse specialist

The team may also request tests such as X-rays or MRIs to better understand what’s happening with your joints.

The outcome of your assessment can vary. Some people may be offered surgery, often alongside a physiotherapy programme called prehab to build strength before the operation. Others may be referred back to their GP or into community physiotherapy programmes.

Sometimes, surgery isn’t possible because of health reasons or limited resources. If this happens, your GP will continue to support you, and Arthritis NZ’s free service Arthritis Assist can provide extra guidance and encouragement.

Waiting times can differ by region. The goal is to be seen within four months of referral, but delays are possible. If you don’t hear back, it’s okay to follow up with your GP or the hospital. Private assessments are also an option for some people, though they do involve costs or health insurance.

Waiting for an appointment can be frustrating, but there are positive steps you can take. Keeping active through gentle, regular exercise, joining a community class, or using guided online programmes can help protect your mobility and wellbeing. You might also:

• Talk with your GP or pharmacist about pain relief options
• Connect with health coaches or wellbeing practitioners
• Use Arthritis Assist to prepare for your appointment, understand medical language, and explore treatment options

You don’t have to walk this journey alone. Bringing whānau with you to appointments can help with remembering information and asking questions. It’s always okay to ask:

• What are my options?
• How long will each option take?
• If I need surgery, what will rehabilitation involve?

An orthopaedic assessment isn’t just a hospital appointment; it’s a step toward understanding your arthritis and finding the pathway that fits your needs. With the right information, support, and services, you and your whānau can move forward with more confidence and mana.

What is the orthopaedic assessment journey?
The orthopaedic assessment journey is the hospital process that helps diagnose and manage joint, bone, or muscle conditions. It begins when your GP refers you to the hospital for a specialist assessment.

Who will I see during the orthopaedic assessment journey?
You may meet an orthopaedic surgeon, advanced clinical practice physiotherapist, registrar, or clinical nurse specialist. They may also order scans such as X-rays or MRIs.

How long does the orthopaedic assessment journey take?
The goal is to be seen within four months of referral, but waiting times can vary by region. If you don’t hear back, it’s best to follow up with your GP or hospital.

What are the possible outcomes of the orthopaedic assessment journey?
Outcomes may include being offered surgery (sometimes with prehab physiotherapy), referral to physiotherapy programmes, or returning to GP care.

What can I do while waiting for my orthopaedic assessment journey?
While waiting, you can stay active with gentle exercise, manage pain with GP or pharmacist advice, and use Arthritis Assist for support and preparation.