USE OF X-RAYS TO EVALUATE ANKLE AND FOOT INJURIES IN ADULTS
(The Ottawa Ankle Rules)

Ankle Injuries:

An ankle radiographic series is only required if there is any pain in malleolar zone AND
    any of these findings:

1.  Bone tenderness at A (see diagram below)
or,
2.  Bone tenderness at B
or,
3.  Inability to bear weight both immediately and in emergency department or clinic

Foot Injuries:

A foot radiographic series in only required if there is any pain in midfoot zone AND
    any of these findings:

1.  Bone tenderness at C (see diagram)
or,
2.  Bone tenderness at D
or,
3.  Inability to bear weight both immediately and in emergency department or clinic

Illustration re-created with permission, Copyright 1993, American Medical Association. Adapted from JAMA 1993, 269; 1127-1132.

	University of South Alabama
	USA College of Medicine