Is there a set of criteria similar to the Ottawa Ankle or Knee Rule that can be applied to the wrist in children? The Amsterdam Pediatric Wrist Rules are as follows: -Swelling of distal radius -Visible deformity -Painful palpation of the distal radius -Painful palpation at the anatomical snuff box -Painful supination A positive answer to any of these would indicate the need for an xray.
The study referenced attempted to validate these criteria. This criteria is inclusive of the distal radius in addition to the wrist. The sensitivity and specificity were 95.9% and 37.3%, respectively in children 3 years through 18 years. This model would have resulted in a 22% absolute reduction in xrays. In a validation study, 7/170 fractures (4.1%, 95% CI: 1.7- 8.3%) would have been missed using the decision model. The fractures that were missed were all in boys ages 10-15 and were all buckle fractures and one non displaced radial fracture.
Bottom line: This rule can serve as a guide for when to obtain an xray in the setting of trauma, but it is not perfect.
References
Slaar et al. A clinical decision rule for the use of plain radiography in children after acute wrist injury: development and external validation of the Amsterdam Pediatric Wrist Rules. Pediatr Radiol 2015; published online August 23, 2015.
