Decision Rules for Imaging Acute Ankle Injuries
This chapter, found in the bone, joint, and extremity pain section of the book, provides a succinct synopsis of a key study examining the use of the Ottawa ankle rules for imaging acute ankle injuries. This summary outlines the study methodology and design, major results, limitations and criticisms, related studies and additional information, and clinical implications. The study showed that the refined and validated Ottawa Ankle Rules have the potential to reduce approximately 30% to 34% of all foot and ankle radiographs for acute injuries, with 100% sensitivity for reliably detecting foot and ankle fractures. In addition to outlining the most salient features of the study, a clinical vignette and imaging example are included in order to provide relevant clinical context.