According to the Ottawa ankle rules, what necessitates the need for radiographs?

According to the Ottawa ankle rules, what necessitates the need for radiographs?

• A. Bony tenderness at the navicular
• B. Bony tenderness at the base of the fifth metatarsal
• C. Inability to bear weight
• D. A visible deformity of the foot

Answer: (B)

The Ottawa ankle rules provide a systematic approach to determining the need for radiographic evaluation in cases of ankle and foot injuries. In this context, bony tenderness at the base of the fifth metatarsal is significant because it is specifically highlighted as one of the key indicators for obtaining X-rays. This is due to the high likelihood of a fracture occurring in that area, particularly in cases involving lateral ankle pain. Identifying bony tenderness at the base of the fifth metatarsal suggests a possible fracture, which is critical in the clinical decision-making process. If a patient presents with this type of tenderness, it warrants further investigation through imaging to rule out a fracture and guide appropriate management. The other factors mentioned also indicate the need for radiographs but are assessed in conjunction with additional criteria. For example, bony tenderness at the navicular is indeed concerning and may indicate a fracture, but the fifth metatarsal is more classically associated with the Ottawa ankle rules as a standalone indicator. Similarly, inability to bear weight can point toward a more severe injury but is not as definitive on its own. A visible deformity typically indicates an obvious fracture, necessitating radiographs; however, it implies a more acute presentation that may already suggest a fracture

The Ottawa ankle rules provide a systematic approach to determining the need for radiographic evaluation in cases of ankle and foot injuries. In this context, bony tenderness at the base of the fifth metatarsal is significant because it is specifically highlighted as one of the key indicators for obtaining X-rays. This is due to the high likelihood of a fracture occurring in that area, particularly in cases involving lateral ankle pain.

Identifying bony tenderness at the base of the fifth metatarsal suggests a possible fracture, which is critical in the clinical decision-making process. If a patient presents with this type of tenderness, it warrants further investigation through imaging to rule out a fracture and guide appropriate management.

The other factors mentioned also indicate the need for radiographs but are assessed in conjunction with additional criteria. For example, bony tenderness at the navicular is indeed concerning and may indicate a fracture, but the fifth metatarsal is more classically associated with the Ottawa ankle rules as a standalone indicator. Similarly, inability to bear weight can point toward a more severe injury but is not as definitive on its own. A visible deformity typically indicates an obvious fracture, necessitating radiographs; however, it implies a more acute presentation that may already suggest a fracture