Evaluating the Ottawa Ankle Rules for Children with Ankle Injuries

Ankle Trauma in Children, Application of Ottawa Ankle Rules From 5 Years Old, What is the Impact

Observational Central Hospital, Nancy, France · NCT05910060

This study is testing if using the Ottawa ankle rules can help doctors decide when kids with ankle injuries really need X-rays, to make their emergency room visits quicker and more efficient.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment600 (estimated)
Ages5 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorCentral Hospital, Nancy, France Academic / other
Locations1 site (Vandoeuvre Les Nancy, Meurthe-et-Moselle)
Trial IDNCT05910060 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to assess the impact of implementing the Ottawa ankle rules for children aged 5 to 18 presenting with ankle injuries at a pediatric emergency department. The primary objective is to compare the rate of X-rays performed before and after the protocol's implementation, while secondary objectives include evaluating emergency room wait times, healthcare cost savings, caregiver adherence to the protocol, and reconsultation rates. The study will analyze data from two periods: before the protocol's implementation and after, to determine its effectiveness in reducing unnecessary X-rays and improving patient care.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 5 to 18 who present with ankle injuries at the pediatric emergency department.

Not a fit: Patients with complex conditions such as polytrauma, open fractures, or those unable to be assessed due to altered consciousness will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to reduced unnecessary X-rays for children with ankle injuries, minimizing radiation exposure and healthcare costs.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have validated the Ottawa ankle rules in adults and children, suggesting that this approach may be effective in reducing unnecessary imaging.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 5 to 18 years old
* consulting in pediatric emergency in Nancy children hospital
* for ankle injury

Exclusion Criteria:

Constitutional bone disease Polytrauma Inability to assess the patient (inebriated, altered consciousness, neurosensitive disease, intoxication) Non-acquired walking Injury more than 10 days old Patient re-consults for the same injury previously assessed in the same centre Patient with previous radiographs prior to consultation Open fracture Sensory or vascular deficit Haemophilia Metabolic disease with proven osteopenia

Where this trial is running

Vandoeuvre Les Nancy, Meurthe-et-Moselle

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Sports Injuries in Childrenankle children Ottawa
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.