[Indication for radiological examination in acute ankle distorsion]

Inversion injuries of the ankle are a common cause of presentation to accident and emergency units. They impose a major load on radiological services. A prospective study was carried out to test the hypothesis that a thorough physical examination can eliminate the need for a large number of radiographs obtained in patients with acute ankle trauma. Two hundred and one patients were seen in the emergency department for acute ankle trauma. All patients were assessed clinically, then examined radiographically. Sensitivity and specificity of various clinical signs were calculated. Swelling, focal bony tenderness on the lateral malleollus, and decreased ability to bear weight were found to be the most important predictors, especially if present simultaneously. According to this material bimalleolar distance ratio cannot be used as predictor.