Ottawa Knee Rules: Difference between revisions
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= Purpose  =
<div class="editorbox">


A clinic decision rule to help determine need for x-rays or rule out fractures of the knee after acute injury.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Plain radiographs of the knee are among the most commonly ordered radiographs in U.S. emergency departments; 60% to 80% of patients with knee pain have a knee film at an estimated annual cost of $1 billion."<ref>Jackson JL, O'Malley PG, Kroenke, K.  Evaluation of acute knee pain in primary care.  Ann Intern Med. 2003 Oct 7;139(7):575-88. Review.</ref>92% will not have a fracture.<ref name="Stiell">Stiell IG, Wells GA, Hoag RH, Sivilotti ML, Cacciotti TF, Verbeek PR, Greenway KT, McDowell I, Cwinn AA, Greenberg GH, Nichol G, Michael JA.  Implementation of the Ottawa Knee Rule for the use of radiography in acute knee injuries.  JAMA. 1997 Dec 17;278(23):2075-9.</ref>
'''Original Editor '''- [[User:Stacy Callow|Stacy Callow]]


= Criteria  =
'''Top Contributors''' - {{Special:Contributors/{{FULLPAGENAME}}}}
</div>


If one of the following&nbsp;is present, radiographs are indicated<sup>2</sup>:&nbsp;
== Introduction ==


1.&nbsp; Age&gt;55 years
{{#ev:youtube|sPMmIptAs-w}}


2.&nbsp; Islolated patellar tenderness without other bone tenderness
[[File:Ottawa Knee rules text.jpg|centre|frameless|Ottawa Knee Rules table.|340x340px]]


3.&nbsp; Tenderness of the fibular head


4.&nbsp; Inability to flex to 90°
== Objective  ==


5.&nbsp; Inability to bear weight immediately after injury and in the emergency department (4 steps) regardless of limping.  
The Ottawa Knee Rules determine the need for radiographs in acute knee injuries. This screening tool was developed because of the need for a rapid and accurate way to avoid unnecessary imaging.  


== Research  ==
"Plain radiographs of the knee are among the most commonly ordered radiographs in U.S. emergency departments; 60% to 80% of patients with knee pain have a knee film at an estimated annual cost of $1 billion."<ref>Jackson JL, O'Malley PG, Kroenke, K. Evaluation of acute knee pain in primary care. Ann Intern Med. 2003 Oct 7;139(7):575-88. Review.</ref>&nbsp;92% will not have a fracture.<ref name="Stiel et al" />


26.4% reduction in adult&nbsp;patients referred for radiographs and lower medical charges when Ottawa Rules applied.<ref name="Stiell" />
An estimated 1.3 million patients are seen annually in US emergency departments due to acute knee trauma.<ref name="McCaig et al">McCaig LF. national Hospital Ambulatory Medial Care Survey: 1992 emergency department summary. Advance Data. 1994;245:1-12.</ref><ref name="National Center">National Center for Health Statistics. National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey 1992. Hyattsville, MD:National Center for Health Statistics; 1994.</ref>&nbsp;Although only 6% of these patients have sustained a fracture, the vast majority undergo plain radiography of the knee.<ref name="National Center" /><ref name="Stiell IG">Stiell IG, Wells GA, McDowell I, et al. Use of Radiography in acute knee injuries: need for clinical decision rules. Acad Emerg Med. 1995;2:966-973.</ref><ref name="Gratton et al">Gratton MC, Salomone JA III, Watson WA. Clinically Significant radiograph misinterpretations at an emergency medicine residency program. Ann Emerg Med. 1990;19:497-502.</ref><ref name="Mcconnochie">McConnochie KM, Roghmann KJ, Pasternack J, Monroe DJ, Monaco LP. Prediction rules for selective radiographic assessment of extremity injuries in children and adolescents. Pediatrics. 1990;86:45-57.</ref>&nbsp;More than 92% of these radiographic results are negative for fractures and exemplify the many low cost, but high volume tests, that add to health care costs.<ref name="Moloney et al">Moloney TW, Rogers DE. Medical Technology: a different view of the contentious debate over costs. N Eng J Med. 1979;301:1413-1419.</ref><ref name="Angell">Angell M. Cost containment and the physician. JAMA. 1985;254:1203-1207.</ref>The Ottawa Knee Rules were developed in an attempt to allow physicians to be more selective with radiography, without missing fractures.<ref name="Stiell and Greenberg">Stiell IG, Greenberg GH, Wells GA, et al. Derivation of a decision rule for the use of radiography in acute knee injuries. Ann Emerg Med. 1995;26:405-413.</ref>  


46% of patients aged 3 to 18 years would not require radiograph with 92% of fracutures being identified.<ref>Khine H, Dorfman DH, Avner JR.Applicability of Ottawa knee rule for knee injury in children. PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY CARE.Vol. 17, No. 6</ref>
A prospective study by Stiell et al found the rules to be 100% sensitive for identifying fractures of the knee with the potential relative reduction in the use of radiography to be estimated at 28%.<ref name="Steill">Stiell IG, McKnight RD, Greenberg GH, McDowell I, Nair RC, Wells GA, Johns C, Worthington JR. Implementation of the Ottawa Ankle Rules. Journal of the American Medical Association 1994; 271:827-832.</ref>  


=== Diagnostic Accuracy<ref>Flynn T, Cleland J, Whitman J.  User's guide to the musculoskeletal examination: fundamentals for the evidence-based clinician</ref> ===
== Intended Population  ==


Adult Population:&nbsp; Sensitivity: 1.0 Specificity: .49-.56&nbsp;
'''Ottawa Knee Rules in Adults '''


+LR:&nbsp; 1.9-2.3 -LR: 0
Several studies have examined the effectiveness of the Ottawa Knee Rules, with each reporting the Rules leading to a decrease in the use of knee radiography. The Rules were also associated with a reduction in waiting times and costs. Application of the Ottawa Knee Rules worldwide would be very important and advantageous in decreasing health care costs and unnecessary exposure to radiography without risking the quality of patient care.<ref name="Stiel et al">Stiel I, Wells G, Hoag R, Sivilotti M, Cacciotti T, Verbeek R, Greenway K, McDowell I, Cwinn A, Greenberg G, Nichol G, Michael J. Implementation of the Ottawa knee rule for the use of radiography in acute knee injuries. JAMA; 1997; 278: 2075 - 2079</ref><ref name="Emparanza et al">Emparanza J, Aginaga J. Validation of the Ottawa knee rules. Annals of emergency medicine; 2001; 38: 364 - 368</ref>


A systematic review by Buchmann et al found a negative result on the Ottawa knee rule test is associated with a fracture probability of less than 1.5% in an adult population.<ref>Bachmann LM, Haberzeth S, Steurer J, ter Riet, G.  The accuracy of the Ottawa knee rule to rule out knee fractures:
'''Ottawa Knee Rules in Children '''
a systematic review.  Ann Intern Med. 2004 Jan 20;140(2):121-4. Review.</ref>


Pediatric Population:&nbsp; Sensitivity:&nbsp; 1.0&nbsp; Specificity:&nbsp; .43
With regards to applying the Rules in children, the evidence is conflicting. In the past, several studies have been performed but all have reported varying results. Some have shown the use of the Ottawa Knee Rules in children as being accurate and efficient,<ref name="Bulloch et al">Bulloch B, Neto G, Plint A, Lim R, Lidman P, Reed M, Nijssen-Jordan C, Tenenbein M, Klassen T. Validation of the ottawa knee rule in children: a multicenter study. Annals of Emergency Medicine; 2003; 42: 48 – 55</ref> but many have reported the opposite as being true. Therefore, it is safer that the Ottawa Knee Rules be not used in children under the age of 18.<ref name="Khine et al">Khine H, Dorfman D, Avner J. Applicability of Ottawa knee rule for knee injury in children. Pediatric emergency care; 2001: 17 (6): 401 - 404</ref>


+LR:&nbsp; 1.8&nbsp; -LR:&nbsp; 0  
As such, there is an important need for more concise studies to investigate the effectiveness of the Rules in children. Only when the results become consistent should a clear and general conclusion be made. Until then, the consensus is that under the age of 18 years is considered an exclusion criteria.<br>
 
== Criteria  ==
 
If one of the following is present, radiographs are indicated:<ref name="Steill" />
 
#Age &gt;55 years
#Isolated patellar tenderness without other bone tenderness
#Tenderness of the fibular head
#Inability to flex the knee to 90°
#Inability to bear weight immediately after injury and in the emergency department (4 steps) regardless of limping<br>
 
[[Image:Ottawa-Knee.jpg|center|Areas of interest when palpating for the Ottawa Knee Rules]]
 
If any of the following are present, the Ottawa Knee Rules may be contraindicated:<ref name="Glynn et al">Glynn P, Weisbach C. Clinical prediction rules: a physical therapy reference manual. Jones Barlett Learning; 2009: 248 pg 36-43</ref>
 
#younger then 18 years old
#injuries greater then 7 days old
#re-evaluation of recent injuries
#altered levels of consciousness
#paraplegia (an impairment in motor or sensory function) of the lower extremities
#multiple injuries or other fractures
#pregnancy
#isolated injuries of the skin without underlying soft tissue or bone involvement: <br>a. superficial lacerations or skin injuries <br>b. abrasions <br>c. puncture wounds <br>d. burns
#referred from outside the hospital with radiographs
 
== How to Perform the Examination  ==
 
When the Ottawa Knee Rules are executed, the following assessments will be performed:<ref name="Glynn et al" />
 
#Check for sensitivity of the proximal fibula
#Check for sensitivity of the patella - only examine the patella, not the surrounding tissues
#Determine if the patient is able to flex his/her knee to 90° - this will be measured with a goniometer as follows:<br>a. the axis of the goniometer is placed on the lateral epicondyle of the femur<br>b. the stationary arm is placed on the femur and points towards the greater trochanter<br>c. the moving arm is placed on the fibula and points towards the lateral malleolus
#Examine if the patient is able to bear weight on the affected leg. First, ask the patient if he/she was able to weight bear and be able to take four steps immediately after the injury. Then ask the patient to take four steps. If the patient is unable to do this due to pain, it can be concluded that this part of the examination is positive. If the patient is able to take at least four steps on the affected leg (without a limp), we can conclude that this part of the examination is negative.
 
A positive test results when one or more of the following occur:
 
*the patient indicates pain during palpation
*there is an increased sensitivity of the fibula
*the patient is unable to bring the knee in 90° flexion
*the patient in unable to carry his/her own bodyweight (stepping is not possible)
*acute blunt injuries of the knee are present, regardless of mechanism of injury
 
== Evidence  ==
 
*Steill et al reported a 26.4% reduction in the number of adult patients referred for radiographs and lower medical charges when the Ottawa Knee Rules were applied.<ref name="Steill" />
*Although there is conflicting evidence, Khine et al noted 46% of patients aged 3-18 years would not require radiographs with 92% of fractures being identified.<ref>Khine H, Dorfman DH, Avner JR. Applicability of Ottawa knee rule for knee injury in children. PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY CARE.Vol. 17, No. 6</ref>
*A systematic review by Buchmann et al found a negative result on the Ottawa Knee Rules as being associated with a fracture probability of less than 1.5% in the adult population.<ref>Bachmann LM, Haberzeth S, Steurer J, ter Riet, G.  The accuracy of the Ottawa knee rule to rule out knee fractures: a systematic review.  Ann Intern Med. 2004 Jan 20;140(2):121-4. Review.</ref>
 
{| width="500" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
|-
| '''Population'''
| '''Sensitivity'''
| '''Specificity'''
| '''+LR'''
| '''-LR &nbsp; &nbsp;'''
|-
| Adult<ref name="Steill" />
| 1.0
| .49-.56
| 1.9-2.3
| 0
|-
| Pediatric<ref name="Steill" />
| 1.0  
| .43
| 1.8
| 0
|}
 
== Resources ==
[http://www.ohri.ca/emerg/cdr/docs/cdr_knee_card.pdf Ottawa Knee Card]<div class="researchbox"></div>


== References  ==
== References  ==


<references />


 
[[Category:Assessment]]
<references /><br>
[[Category:Knee]]
[[Category:Knee - Assessment and Examination]]
[[Category:Knee_Injuries]]
[[Category:Musculoskeletal/Orthopaedics]]
[[Category:Primary Contact]]
[[Category:Screening Tools]]
[[Category:Clinical Prediction Rules]]

Latest revision as of 01:20, 8 May 2020

Original Editor - Stacy Callow

Top Contributors - Van Horebeek Erika, Admin, Stacy Callow, Evan Thomas, Claire Knott, Heather Paulis, Kim Jackson, 127.0.0.1, Rachael Lowe, Johnathan Fahrner, Selena Horner, Mariam Hashem, Kai A. Sigel and WikiSysop

Introduction[edit | edit source]

Ottawa Knee Rules table.


Objective[edit | edit source]

The Ottawa Knee Rules determine the need for radiographs in acute knee injuries. This screening tool was developed because of the need for a rapid and accurate way to avoid unnecessary imaging.

"Plain radiographs of the knee are among the most commonly ordered radiographs in U.S. emergency departments; 60% to 80% of patients with knee pain have a knee film at an estimated annual cost of $1 billion."[1] 92% will not have a fracture.[2]

An estimated 1.3 million patients are seen annually in US emergency departments due to acute knee trauma.[3][4] Although only 6% of these patients have sustained a fracture, the vast majority undergo plain radiography of the knee.[4][5][6][7] More than 92% of these radiographic results are negative for fractures and exemplify the many low cost, but high volume tests, that add to health care costs.[8][9]The Ottawa Knee Rules were developed in an attempt to allow physicians to be more selective with radiography, without missing fractures.[10]

A prospective study by Stiell et al found the rules to be 100% sensitive for identifying fractures of the knee with the potential relative reduction in the use of radiography to be estimated at 28%.[11]

Intended Population[edit | edit source]

Ottawa Knee Rules in Adults

Several studies have examined the effectiveness of the Ottawa Knee Rules, with each reporting the Rules leading to a decrease in the use of knee radiography. The Rules were also associated with a reduction in waiting times and costs. Application of the Ottawa Knee Rules worldwide would be very important and advantageous in decreasing health care costs and unnecessary exposure to radiography without risking the quality of patient care.[2][12]

Ottawa Knee Rules in Children

With regards to applying the Rules in children, the evidence is conflicting. In the past, several studies have been performed but all have reported varying results. Some have shown the use of the Ottawa Knee Rules in children as being accurate and efficient,[13] but many have reported the opposite as being true. Therefore, it is safer that the Ottawa Knee Rules be not used in children under the age of 18.[14]

As such, there is an important need for more concise studies to investigate the effectiveness of the Rules in children. Only when the results become consistent should a clear and general conclusion be made. Until then, the consensus is that under the age of 18 years is considered an exclusion criteria.

Criteria[edit | edit source]

If one of the following is present, radiographs are indicated:[11]

  1. Age >55 years
  2. Isolated patellar tenderness without other bone tenderness
  3. Tenderness of the fibular head
  4. Inability to flex the knee to 90°
  5. Inability to bear weight immediately after injury and in the emergency department (4 steps) regardless of limping
Areas of interest when palpating for the Ottawa Knee Rules

If any of the following are present, the Ottawa Knee Rules may be contraindicated:[15]

  1. younger then 18 years old
  2. injuries greater then 7 days old
  3. re-evaluation of recent injuries
  4. altered levels of consciousness
  5. paraplegia (an impairment in motor or sensory function) of the lower extremities
  6. multiple injuries or other fractures
  7. pregnancy
  8. isolated injuries of the skin without underlying soft tissue or bone involvement:
    a. superficial lacerations or skin injuries
    b. abrasions
    c. puncture wounds
    d. burns
  9. referred from outside the hospital with radiographs

How to Perform the Examination[edit | edit source]

When the Ottawa Knee Rules are executed, the following assessments will be performed:[15]

  1. Check for sensitivity of the proximal fibula
  2. Check for sensitivity of the patella - only examine the patella, not the surrounding tissues
  3. Determine if the patient is able to flex his/her knee to 90° - this will be measured with a goniometer as follows:
    a. the axis of the goniometer is placed on the lateral epicondyle of the femur
    b. the stationary arm is placed on the femur and points towards the greater trochanter
    c. the moving arm is placed on the fibula and points towards the lateral malleolus
  4. Examine if the patient is able to bear weight on the affected leg. First, ask the patient if he/she was able to weight bear and be able to take four steps immediately after the injury. Then ask the patient to take four steps. If the patient is unable to do this due to pain, it can be concluded that this part of the examination is positive. If the patient is able to take at least four steps on the affected leg (without a limp), we can conclude that this part of the examination is negative.

A positive test results when one or more of the following occur:

  • the patient indicates pain during palpation
  • there is an increased sensitivity of the fibula
  • the patient is unable to bring the knee in 90° flexion
  • the patient in unable to carry his/her own bodyweight (stepping is not possible)
  • acute blunt injuries of the knee are present, regardless of mechanism of injury

Evidence[edit | edit source]

  • Steill et al reported a 26.4% reduction in the number of adult patients referred for radiographs and lower medical charges when the Ottawa Knee Rules were applied.[11]
  • Although there is conflicting evidence, Khine et al noted 46% of patients aged 3-18 years would not require radiographs with 92% of fractures being identified.[16]
  • A systematic review by Buchmann et al found a negative result on the Ottawa Knee Rules as being associated with a fracture probability of less than 1.5% in the adult population.[17]
Population Sensitivity Specificity +LR -LR    
Adult[11] 1.0 .49-.56 1.9-2.3 0
Pediatric[11] 1.0 .43 1.8 0

Resources[edit | edit source]

Ottawa Knee Card

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Jackson JL, O'Malley PG, Kroenke, K. Evaluation of acute knee pain in primary care. Ann Intern Med. 2003 Oct 7;139(7):575-88. Review.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Stiel I, Wells G, Hoag R, Sivilotti M, Cacciotti T, Verbeek R, Greenway K, McDowell I, Cwinn A, Greenberg G, Nichol G, Michael J. Implementation of the Ottawa knee rule for the use of radiography in acute knee injuries. JAMA; 1997; 278: 2075 - 2079
  3. ↑ McCaig LF. national Hospital Ambulatory Medial Care Survey: 1992 emergency department summary. Advance Data. 1994;245:1-12.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 National Center for Health Statistics. National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey 1992. Hyattsville, MD:National Center for Health Statistics; 1994.
  5. ↑ Stiell IG, Wells GA, McDowell I, et al. Use of Radiography in acute knee injuries: need for clinical decision rules. Acad Emerg Med. 1995;2:966-973.
  6. ↑ Gratton MC, Salomone JA III, Watson WA. Clinically Significant radiograph misinterpretations at an emergency medicine residency program. Ann Emerg Med. 1990;19:497-502.
  7. ↑ McConnochie KM, Roghmann KJ, Pasternack J, Monroe DJ, Monaco LP. Prediction rules for selective radiographic assessment of extremity injuries in children and adolescents. Pediatrics. 1990;86:45-57.
  8. ↑ Moloney TW, Rogers DE. Medical Technology: a different view of the contentious debate over costs. N Eng J Med. 1979;301:1413-1419.
  9. ↑ Angell M. Cost containment and the physician. JAMA. 1985;254:1203-1207.
  10. ↑ Stiell IG, Greenberg GH, Wells GA, et al. Derivation of a decision rule for the use of radiography in acute knee injuries. Ann Emerg Med. 1995;26:405-413.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 Stiell IG, McKnight RD, Greenberg GH, McDowell I, Nair RC, Wells GA, Johns C, Worthington JR. Implementation of the Ottawa Ankle Rules. Journal of the American Medical Association 1994; 271:827-832.
  12. ↑ Emparanza J, Aginaga J. Validation of the Ottawa knee rules. Annals of emergency medicine; 2001; 38: 364 - 368
  13. ↑ Bulloch B, Neto G, Plint A, Lim R, Lidman P, Reed M, Nijssen-Jordan C, Tenenbein M, Klassen T. Validation of the ottawa knee rule in children: a multicenter study. Annals of Emergency Medicine; 2003; 42: 48 – 55
  14. ↑ Khine H, Dorfman D, Avner J. Applicability of Ottawa knee rule for knee injury in children. Pediatric emergency care; 2001: 17 (6): 401 - 404
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Glynn P, Weisbach C. Clinical prediction rules: a physical therapy reference manual. Jones Barlett Learning; 2009: 248 pg 36-43
  16. ↑ Khine H, Dorfman DH, Avner JR. Applicability of Ottawa knee rule for knee injury in children. PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY CARE.Vol. 17, No. 6
  17. ↑ Bachmann LM, Haberzeth S, Steurer J, ter Riet, G. The accuracy of the Ottawa knee rule to rule out knee fractures: a systematic review. Ann Intern Med. 2004 Jan 20;140(2):121-4. Review.
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