Previous studies have shown that clinical criteria can be used for determining the need for radiographs after spraining injuries of an ankle. Following the criteria of the "Ottawa Ankle Rules" (OAR) fractures could be ruled out with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 50% while reducing radiographs by 28%. The aim of this study was to assess the "OAR" when applied in a German emergency department. Patients older than 18, who presented with blunt ankle trauma were examined by clinicians, then radiographs were ordered in all and the "OAR" were retrospectively applied. In 397 treated injuries 79 fractures were diagnosed and 5 patients had radiologically suspected fractures. Following to the "OAR" 58 were unnecessarly X-rayed and 5 fractures would not have been discovered, all of which were minor. Sensitivity using the "OAR" was 94% and specificity 17%. We found that 15% less radiographs can be ordered applying the "OAR". The "OAR" have the ability to rule out significant fractures at the ankle and midfoot.