The Virtual Fracture Clinic (VFC) gives some patients with simple bone and joint injuries access to specialist opinion and management without having to visit the clinic in person.
Please note: The VFC is a follow-up clinic that is only for patients who have been to the Emergency Department at the RMH. Fracture referrals from GPs should be sent via Specialist Clinics (Outpatients).
If you are referred to the clinic, an orthopaedic surgeon will review your imaging, such as x-rays, to determine what treatment is needed. The Virtual Fracture Clinic physiotherapist will then contact you by phone to explain the process.
If the injury is more complex, you may still need to come to the clinic to see the specialist in person.
If you have been to Emergency, the Virtual Fracture Clinic will contact you within two business days after your visit.
Common injuries
Our videos and information sheets provide advice about the care, management and rehabilitation of common injuries managed by the Virtual Fracture Clinic.
This information is designed for patients who are currently being treated by the Virtual Fracture Clinic at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.
If you don't understand the information, speak to your treating team at the Virtual Fracture Clinic.
Arm and hand injuries
Watch the videos and read our information sheets to help you manage your injury.
The clavicle is one of the main bones in the shoulder area. A clavicle fracture is also known as a broken collar bone (clavicle).
Watch the video and read about Clavicle (collarbone) fracture
Orthopaedic Consultant Tom Treseder details the recovery process from a clavicle fracture.
The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is where the collarbone meets the top of the shoulder blade. AC joint injuries are graded according to which structures are injured.
Watch the video and read about Acromioclavicular (AC) joint injury
Orthopaedic Consultant Tom Treseder details the recovery process from an AC joint injury.
The scapula is the triangle-shaped bone at the back of the shoulder. Scapula fractures are not very common and rarely require surgery.
Read about Scapula (shoulder blade) fracture
The shoulder is a ball and socket joint that connects your arm to your torso. It is made up of 3 bones; the clavicle (collarbone), the scapula (shoulder blade), and the humerus (upper arm bone).
Shoulder dislocations are common and rarely require surgery.
Watch the video and read about Shoulder dislocation
Orthopaedic Consultant Tom Treseder details the recovery process from a Shoulder dislocation.
The proximal humerus or surgical neck of humerus forms the ball of your shoulder's ball and socket joint.
Watch the video and read about Proximal Humerus Fracture / Surgical Neck of Humerus (SNOH) Fracture
Orthopaedic Consultant Tom Treseder details the recovery process from a Proximal Humerus Fracture / Surgical Neck of Humerus (SNOH) Fracture
The GT (greater tuberosity) is the prominent area of the bone at the top of the humerus. Fractures are often caused by high-energy trauma, including while playing sport or due to a car accident, and often does not require surgery.
Watch the video and read about Humerus GT (greater tuberosity) Fracture
Orthopaedic Consultant Tom Treseder details the recovery process from a GT fracture
The shaft of the humerus is the section of bone in the upper arm. Fractures are common and usually do not require surgery.
Read about Shaft of humerus fracture
The elbow is a joint found between the arm and forearm. Elbow dislocations are common and usually do not require surgery.
Watch the video and read about elbow dislocation
Orthopaedic Consultant Tom Treseder details the recovery process from an elbow dislocation.
The radial head or neck is at the top of the radius bone, where it meets your elbow.
Watch the video and read about Radial Head or Neck Fracture
Orthopaedic Consultant Tom Treseder details the recovery process from a radial head neck fracture.
The distal radius is the part of the radius bone that is connected to the wrist joint. Fractures often occur due to falling onto an outstretched or flexed hand.
Watch the video and read about distal radius fracture or see wrist cast care & exercises.
Orthopaedic Consultant Tom Treseder details the recovery process from a distal radius fracture
The scaphoid is one of the bones within the wrist just below your thumb. Scaphoid fractures are the most common of carpal fractures and often occur in younger active people, and surgery is not generally required.
Read about scaphoid fracture and wrist cast care & exercises.
The hamate is a triangular-shaped boned located on the outside of the wrist (below your little finger). Hamate fractures are uncommon and often occur in young, active patients. Surgery is not usually required.
Watch the video and read about hamate fracture or see wrist cast care & exercises.
Orthopaedic Consultant Tom Treseder details the recovery process from simple carpal fractures
The triquetral is a pyramid shaped bone which is found in the medial side of the wrist. A fracture of the triquetral is common and does not usually require surgery.
Watch the video and read about triquetral fracture or see wrist cast care & exercises.
Orthopaedic Consultant Tom Treseder details the recovery process from simple carpal fractures
Leg and foot injuries
Watch the videos and read our information sheets to help you manage your injury.
The patella (knee cap) is a small bone at the front of your knee. If the patella moves out of the groove it is called a dislocation. Early weight-bearing is safe and recommended after a patellofemoral joint dislocation.
Read about Patellofemoral joint dislocation
The patella (knee cap) is a small bone at the front of your knee. Patella fractures are usually caused by a direct blow to the knee or a fall.
Watch the video and read about Patella fracture
Orthopaedic Consultant Andrew Oppy details the recovery process from a patella fracture.
Knee soft tissue injuries are injuries to the tendons, muscle, skin or other supporting tissue. Soft tissue injuries are common and may take a prolonged time to heal. Most do not require surgery.
Read about knee soft tissue injury
The ankle is the joint connecting the bones in your foot and leg. A non-weight bearing fracture means you are unable to put any weight onto the injured area.
Read about ankle fracture - non-weight bearing
The ankle is the joint connecting the bones in your foot and leg. Stable ankle fractures involve a fracture to the fibula (outside bone of the ankle joint) and do not usually require surgery.
Watch the video or read about stable ankle fracture
Orthopaedic Consultant Andrew Oppy details the recovery process from a stable ankle fracture.
The ankle is the joint connecting the bones in your foot and leg. A sprain is the stretching or tearing of ligaments in the affected joint.
Ankle sprains are common and surgery is not required in most cases.
Watch the video or read about ankle sprains
Orthopaedic Consultant Andrew Oppy details the recovery process from an ankle sprain
The foot is the lower extremity of the leg, below the ankle. Fractures of the foot are very common and surgery is not often required.
Watch the video or read about foot fracture
Orthopaedic Consultant Andrew Oppy details the recovery process from a foot fracture
The fifth metatarsal is the long bone on the outside of your foot which connects to your little toe and ankle. Fractures of the fifth metatarsal are common and can occur from injury, overuse or having high arches.
Watch the video or read about fifth metatarsal fracture
Orthopaedic Consultant Andrew Oppy details the recovery process from a fifth metatarsal fracture
The toe is a digit on the end of your foot. Fractures of the toe are common and rarely requires surgery.
Watch the video or read about toe fracture
Orthopaedic Consultant Andrew Oppy details the recovery process from a toe fracture
Information sheets
Arm and hand injuries
300 Grattan St, Parkville, Victoria