Summary

What it measures:

The Ottawa Ankle Rules (OAR) test is a guideline that can be used by health care professionals (physical therapist, emergency physician, primary care physician) in deciding whether radiography is necessary to identify the presence of an ankle or foot fracture. It was originally developed and validated by Stiell et al(1) for use in adults 18 years of age and older. A positive test warrants a radiograph and a negative test suggests the physical therapist can treat the patient without a radiograph.

Target Population:

This summary contains information on the use of OAR on patients of any age or gender with foot or ankle injuries to help rule in or rule out a foot or ankle fracture.