Review of knee radiographs introduction More than one million patients with the complaint of acute knee injury are seen annually in U.S.
Review of knee radiographs introduction More than one million patients with the complaint of acute knee injury are seen annually in U.S. Even though very few of these patients prove to have fractures, the majority undergo plain radiography . Many individuals will also visit outpatient clinics with knee pain and plain knee radiographs are performed frequently.
This post will evaluate which knee radiographs are available and which may be appropriate for certain conditions. There is debate on whether knee radiographs are needed for certain conditions. Proposals have been made to utilize guidelines similar to the Ottawa ankle rules, but no guidelines have become as popular as the ankle radiograph rules or guidelines.
There has been recent evaluation for the Ottawa knee rules. There are two main radiographic protocols for investigation of the knee. A nonweightbearing series should only be performed if the patient is unable to bear weight or there is potential harm in doing so.
Usually after major trauma, where it would be unsafe to mobilize a patient or even move the limb, the views are limited by the patient’s supine position. In these cases a shoot-through anteroposterior (AP) view and cross-table lateral view constitute a standard nonweightbearing trauma series. For patients who are mobile, a more comprehensive examination can be performed, including a number of different views, with different amounts of knee flexion, with and without weightbearing.
Typically this would consist of an AP view, weightbearing semiflexed posteroanterior (PA) (Rosenberg) view, lateral view and a tangential (axial/sunrise/skyline) patellofemoral view. The most common and standard for knee radiographs is the AP view or anteroposterior view. The knee is normally in extension and internally rotated 3-5 degrees.
If you are experiencing symptoms that may be related to knee radiographs, it is important to see a sports medicine physician. Early evaluation and treatment typically lead to better outcomes. Do not ignore pain or symptoms that are limiting your activity.
*This article is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.*
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