[The value of roentgen studies in supination injuries of ankle and foot].

In 523 consecutive patients with inversion injuries of ankle and foot, X-ray examination revealed 52 fractures. The majority of these fractures could be treated symptomatically. On the basis of clinical examination as the diagnostic tool for these ankle injuries, the need for radiological assessment was decided. All important fractures were recognized. The patient's ability to bear weight on the injured ankle, the presence of lateral malleolar tenderness and advanced age were important clinical variables. Careful physical examination can lead to a selective radiological assessment of acute ankle injuries. Superfluous X-ray procedures can be eliminated which will greatly reduce costs without detriment to patient care.