Ottawa Knee Decision Rules

The Ottawa Knee Decision Rules are a clinical decision-making tool developed by orthopedic surgeons in 1996 to aid in determining if X-ray imaging is necessary for knee injuries. The algorithm uses a set of criteria to determine whether the injury requires further imaging and/or orthopedic consultation, and can save valuable time and money on needless imaging in emergency-care settings. The rules cover patient-specific criterion that include pain level, size & shape of swelling, location of injury and range