The Cardiovascular
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Pittsburgh knee rules

Determines need for knee radiography after blunt trauma or a fall.

Pittsburgh knee rules
Mechanism: blunt trauma or a fall
Age
years
Unable to walk 4 weight-bearing steps in the ED
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When to use

  • Excluding fracture after knee injury from blunt trauma or a fall.

Formula

For a blunt-trauma or fall mechanism, radiographs are indicated if age < 12 or > 50 years, OR the patient cannot walk 4 weight-bearing steps in the ED.

References

  1. Seaberg DC, et al. Am J Emerg Med. 1998;16(2):160-3.