What is the minimum number of steps a patient must be unable to take to diagnose an ankle sprain?

To diagnose an ankle sprain, the minimum standard is that a patient must be unable to take four weight-bearing steps following the injury. This criterion is part of the Ottawa Ankle Rules, which are clinical decision-making tools designed to help determine whether a patient with ankle injuries requires radiographic imaging.

If a patient cannot walk four steps, it indicates a significant level of dysfunction likely caused by the sprain, thereby justifying a diagnosis of an ankle sprain and the need for further evaluation or treatment. This helps to identify injuries that may be more severe, such as fractures, while also ensuring that patients who are able to bear weight and take steps are assessed differently, typically indicating a less severe injury. Understanding this threshold is essential for accurately diagnosing ankle injuries and guiding appropriate management.