Petrie injured his right foot on Sunday against the Sydney Swans in what was his first match back since round 10.
The key forward had scans on Monday afternoon, with the club releasing a statement saying it was not in a position to make any comment until Petrie had received a full diagnosis.
Petrie broke the fifth metatarsal in his right foot earlier this season.
North Melbourne is unsure if his most recent injury is a recurrence of the old injury, or a completely new complaint.
However, Petrie’s latest setback completes a horror 2010 for the big man, who broke a bone in his left foot early in the season.
Following the loss to the Swans, coach Brad Scott defended the club’s decision to play Petrie.
“He got medical clearance from the surgeon to play,” Scott said from the SCG on Sunday.
“We have had training sessions with him where he looked really strong, but clearly he wasn't right today.
“Obviously we wouldn't risk him if it was going to do any damage in the second half, but the medical guys were pretty confident he could go out and play full forward. When it became evident to me and probably everyone at the ground he just wasn't right, we took him off.”
