Ottawa Ankle Rules

The Ottawa Ankle Rules are a set of guidelines used in primary care and emergency medicine to help determine the need for X-ray imaging in the evaluation of ankle and foot injuries. These rules are designed to minimize unnecessary radiographs and are based on specific clinical findings. Below is a table summarizing the Ottawa Ankle Rules:

Anatomical Area	Criteria for X-ray
Ankle	An ankle radiographic series is required only if there is pain in the malleolar zone and any of the following: 1. Bone tenderness at the posterior edge or tip of the lateral malleolus (distal 6 cm). 2. Bone tenderness at the posterior edge or tip of the medial malleolus (distal 6 cm). 3. Inability to bear weight both immediately and in the emergency department.
Foot	A foot radiographic series is required only if there is pain in the mid-foot zone and any of the following: 1. Bone tenderness at the base of the fifth metatarsal. 2. Bone tenderness over the navicular bone. 3. Inability to bear weight both immediately and in the emergency department.

This table can serve as a quick reference for clinicians assessing knee injuries in a primary care setting: X-ray is indicated if there is...

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