Abstract
The need to perform 'routine' radiographs after every case of ankle trauma has been repeatedly questioned, since less than 15 percent of ankle injuries are found to involve a significant fracture. Several authors have proposed guidelines to define clinical characteristics that may help physicians identify patients with a higher probability of having a fracture on the radiograph. The Ottawa ankle rules are the latest guidelines developed for the management of ankle injuries. These highly sensitive decision rules may allow a significant reduction in the number of ankle radiographic series ordered and may decrease patients' waiting times and costs without an increased rate of missed fractures or patient dissatisfaction.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 2721-2728 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | American Family Physician |
| Volume | 55 |
| Issue number | 8 |
| State | Published - 1 Jun 1997 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Family Practice