Exam 2 - Ankle pain

Question 1

What is a sprain? What is a strain?

Answer 1

Sprain: tear to ligament

Strain: tear to the muscle or tendon

Question 2

What would the provider be suspicious for if the patient reports hearing a pop with immediate swelling?

Answer 2

Fracture

Question 3

When is the best time to do a physical exam of an ankle complaint (e.g. sprain)?

Answer 3

Immediately after injury

• If they don’t come in immediately, wait 4-5 days because swelling and bruising can be so bad that it obstructs the providers ability to physically exam this

Question 4

What x-ray views would the provider order for an ankle complaint?

Answer 4

• Anterior-posterior
• Lateral
• Ankle mortise

Question 5

How would the provider determine if an x-ray is indicated?

Answer 5

Ottawa ankle rules

• Tenderness over lateral/medial malleoli then get x-ray because point tenderness suspicous of fracture
• Any pain over 5th metatarsal