Journal of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
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J R Coll Surg Edinb · Oct 1998
Comparative StudyComparison of Ottawa ankle rules and current local guidelines for use of radiography in acute ankle injuries.
A prospective consecutive study of 252 adult patients presenting to Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments was performed to assess any advantage of the Ottawa vs. local guidelines for radiography of the acutely injured ankle or midfoot. All patients taking part in the study underwent an ankle or midfoot radiograph. A comparison was made to determine whether a safe reduction in radiography could be produced by following the Ottawa criteria. ⋯ Local guidelines produced a specificity of 0.19 and a positive predictive value of 0.1. Following Ottawa guidelines produced a highly significant reduction (X = 74.0 P < 0.001) in radiography of 37%, and no fractures were missed. This could potentially save the department approximately 7500 Pounds per annum.
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J R Coll Surg Edinb · Oct 1998
The 'black hole' sign: a visual ultrasonographic sign of hip dislocation.
Visual analysis of dynamic ultrasonography was employed in the assessment of hip stability in the neonate/infant. The 'black hole' sign visually describes the clearly recognizable ultrasonographic image of hip dislocation/dislocatability. This sign adds objectivity to the technique of visual analysis and is to be recommended.