Ankle Ottawa Rules Helper Calculator

1) What are the Ottawa Ankle and Foot Rules?

They are evidence‑based criteria to decide whether ankle or foot radiographs are needed after acute injury, based on pain location, specific bony tenderness, and weight‑bearing ability.

2) When should an ankle radiograph series be ordered?

When there is pain in the malleolar zone and any of the following: tenderness at the posterior edge or tip of the medial or lateral malleolus, or inability to bear weight both immediately and at evaluation.

3) When should a foot radiograph series be ordered?

When there is pain in the midfoot zone and any of the following: tenderness at the base of the fifth metatarsal, tenderness at the navicular, or inability to bear weight both immediately and at evaluation.

4) Do these rules apply to children?

They have been validated in adults and older children; local guidelines vary. Use additional caution in very young children and when communication is limited.

5) What if red flags are present?

Red flags such as gross deformity, open wounds, neurovascular compromise, or polytrauma warrant urgent imaging and assessment regardless of decision rules.

6) Can I rely solely on the rules to make decisions?

No. The rules support decision‑making but do not replace clinical judgment. Consider patient factors, mechanism, exam reliability, and safety‑netting.

7) Does inability to bear weight mean any weight?

In this context it refers to the ability to take four steps. The criterion is positive if the patient could not take four steps both immediately after injury and at evaluation.