The Ottawa Knee Rules

The Ottawa Knee Rules are guidelines doctors use to decide if a person with a knee injury needs X-rays. They help identify when there’s a higher chance of a serious fracture or injury. According to the rules, X-rays are recommended if the person has knee pain and any of these signs: inability to walk four steps immediately after the injury, tenderness at the kneecap or just below the kneecap, or tenderness along the upper or lower leg bones around the knee. These rules help reduce unnecessary X-rays, saving time and resources while ensuring serious injuries aren’t missed.