Orders for Ankle Radiographs Increased Over 7 Years

In two Canadian emergency departments, use of ankle radiography for patients with acute ankle injuries increased from 2001 through 2007.

Introduced in the early 1990s, the Ottawa Ankle Rules are a well-validated clinical decision instrument designed to reduce the use of ankle radiographs without missing clinically significant fractures (JW Gen Med Mar 29 1994). Researchers assessed use and clinical yield of ankle radiographs in a retrospective review of 7706 patients with acute ankle injuries at two emergency departments (EDs) in Ontario, Canada, from 2001 through 2007.

Use of radiographs increased significantly from 64.5% of cases in 2001 to 70.3% in 2007. Diagnosis of fractures remained consistent at around 20% of imaged cases and 14% of total cases.

Reviewing Author

Diane M. Birnbaumer, MD, FACEP

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardSecurisyn

Editorial boardsThe Merck Manuals (Home and Physician Editions)

Diane M. Birnbaumer, MD, FACEP

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardSecurisyn

Editorial boardsThe Merck Manuals (Home and Physician Editions)