Applicability of the Ottawa Ankle Rules

Ankle Sprain Clinical Trial

Official title: Applicability of the Ottawa Ankle Rules to Exclude Fractures of the Ankle and Midfoot - Comparison to Orthopedic Residents Routine.

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

The aim of this prospective study was to compare outcomes in patients handled by emergency physician according to OAR versus by an orthopedic resident.

92 consecutive patients with ankle injuries attending our emergency department were divided in two groups. The study group comprised 32 patients who arrived during the morning shift and were examined by an emergency physician according to OAR. Patients discharged without an x-ray were followed in the clinic or by telephone communication. The control group constituted 60 patients who were examined during the evening and night shifts by orthopedic residents unaware of this study.

Clinical Trial Description

Objective. Ankle and midfoot injuries are common orthopedic complaints, both in general medicine and orthopedic practice. The percentage of fractures among these injuries is small, however many will undergo x-ray. Ottawa ankle rules (OAR) are clinical guidelines for determining whether to use radiography in such cases. The aim of this prospective study was to compare outcomes in patients handled by emergency physician according to OAR versus by an orthopedic resident. Also, we validated the applicability of OAR in an emergency department in our country.

Methods. 92 consecutive patients with ankle injuries attending our emergency department were divided in two groups. The study group comprised 32 patients who arrived during the morning shift and were examined by an emergency physician according to OAR. Patients discharged without an x-ray were followed in the clinic or by telephone communication. The control group constituted 60 patients who were examined during the evening and night shifts by orthopedic residents unaware of this study. ;

Study Design

Allocation: Non-Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment, Masking: Open Label, Primary Purpose: Diagnostic

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Ankle Fracture
• Ankle Fractures
• Ankle Sprain

• NCT number: NCT01561365
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: Hadassah Medical Organization
• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: October 2003
• Completion date: May 2004