Ottawa ankle rules

The Ottawa Ankle Rules are guidelines used by healthcare professionals to decide whether an X-ray is necessary for ankle injuries. They focus on specific criteria: if a person can't walk four steps immediately after the injury or if there is tenderness over certain bony areas around the ankle or foot. If a patient meets any of these criteria, an X-ray is recommended to check for fractures. These rules help ensure that people receive appropriate imaging while avoiding unnecessary X-rays for minor injuries.