Ottawa Rules - Ankle

The Ottawa Ankle Rules are simple guidelines developed to aid emergency physicians in deciding when to use radiography for patients with injuries to the ankle. The Ottawa Ankle Rules were developed and clinically tested to show that they led to a decrease in the use of ankle radiography, waiting times, and costs without patient dissatisfaction or missed fractures. An ankle x-ray is required only if there is any pain in malleolar zone and any of these findings: bone tenderness at A bone tenderness at B inability to weight bear both immediately and in the casualty department. A foot x-ray is required if there is any pain in the midfoot zone and any of these findings: bone tenderness at C bone tenderness at D inability to weight bear both immediately and in the casualty department. ◄....Go back to the Ottawa Rules page