CTAS 4: A 36-year-old twists an ankle stepping off a curb. Vitals are normal. There is bony tenderness at the posterior edge of the lateral malleolus

Question

CTAS 4: A 36-year-old twists an ankle stepping off a curb. Vitals are normal. There is bony tenderness at the posterior edge of the lateral malleolus and the patient cannot bear weight for four steps in the ED. No neurovascular deficit is present. What is the most appropriate investigation?

Accepted Answer

Ankle radiographs

Answer

MRI ankle as first-line imaging

Answer

CT ankle before plain films

Answer

No imaging and immediate return to sport

Answer

Serum inflammatory markers

Ottawa ankle rule imaging indication — RCPSC EM MCQ

CTAS 4: A 36-year-old twists an ankle stepping off a curb. Vitals are normal. There is bony tenderness at the posterior edge of the lateral malleolus and the patient cannot bear weight for four steps in the ED. No neurovascular deficit is present. What is the most appropriate investigation?