Ottawa Ankle Rules | Ankle Fracture / X-Ray Indication

Execution:

  1. Palpate for tenderness on the posterior edge of the medial and lateral malleoli from the distal tip up 6cm 
  2. Palpate for tenderness or pain at the navicular bone and 5th metatarsal
  3. Ask the patient to walk 4 consecutive steps (limping is permitted)

Positive Outcome: Tenderness on the any of the first two steps or the patient is unable to walk four consecutive steps

Study Reliability Sn Sp LR+ LR-
Bachmann et al. (2003) NA 97.6 31.5 1.42 0.08
Dowling et al. (2011) NA 98.5 7.9-50 NA 0.11
Gomes et al. (2022) NA 91 (89-92) 25 (24-26) 1.47 (1.11-1.93) 0.15 (0.72-0.29)
Comment: The OAR are one of the best researched screening tools. However, in the US this screening tool is usually not used due to insurance policies which make x-rays obligatory. The OAR are more sensitive within the first 48h after the trauma.