Shetty test in ankle and foot trauma: An emergency department pilot study assessing specificity and sensitivity.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the potential impact of the Shetty test over Ottawa ankle foot rules (OAFR) on plain imaging utilisation in the ED.

METHODS

Nursing and medical staff assessed both Shetty test and OAFR in ED. All patients received ankle and foot radiographs.

RESULTS

Fifty-four participants were assessed. Shetty test specificity at triage was 0.40 (95% CI 0.25-0.57), compared to OAFR 0.10 (95% CI 0.03-0.24), McNemar's P < 0.01. Shetty test and OAFR sensitivity at triage was 0.92 (95% CI 0.64-0.99), McNemar's P = 1.00.

CONCLUSION

Shetty test may safely reduce unneeded radiographs in ED. Further research is warranted.