Validation of the Ottawa Ankle Rules in Australia

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study was a prospective validation of the Ottawa Ankle Rules (OAR) in Australia following appropriate education in the use of the rules. METHODS: The OAR were applied to consecutive patients 18 years and over presenting with acute ankle and foot injuries to the ED of an urban teaching hospital. RESULTS: Three hundred and thirty-three patients had 366 injuries. There were 43 fractures in 265 ankle injuries and 14 fractures in 101 foot injuries. Sensitivity was 100% for ankle (95% confidence interval (CI): 92-100) and midfoot fractures (95% CI: 77-100). Specificity was 15.8% (95% CI: 11-21) for ankle fractures and 20.7% (95% CI: 13-31) for midfoot fractures. CONCLUSION: The OAR had a sensitivity of 100% for ankle and midfoot fractures when used by both junior and senior physicians.