Ottawa ankle rules

Introduction

Rules used to determine need for radiographs for patients with ankle injury or midfoot injury.

An ankle radiographic series is needed with:

• malleolar pain & tenderness at:
  • posterior edge or tip of lateral malleolus
  • posterior edge or tip of medial malleolus
  • base of 5th metatarsal
  • navicular bone
• inability to bear weight both immediately & in emergency dept

Specificity: 96-99%*

* 1-4% probability of fracture with negative Ottawa findings

More general terms

• Ottawa rules

Additional terms

• ankle sprain