Knee series
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The knee series is a set of radiographs taken to investigate knee joint pathology, often in the context of trauma. It usually comprises an AP and lateral projection, although other non-standard, modified projections can be used for specific indications.
See also knee radiograph (an approach).
Indications
Knee radiographs are indicated for a variety of settings including 1,2:
- trauma
- bony tenderness at the head of the fibula
- isolated patella tenderness
- patient unable to flex the knee to 90 degrees
- if the patient is unable to weight bear
- suspected osteoarthritis
- detecting joint effusions
- infection
Projections
Standard projections
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AP view
- demonstrates the distal femur, proximal tibia/fibula and the patella in the AP position
- ideal projection to assess the tibial plateau and tibiofemoral alignment
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- orthogonal projection to the AP, routinely done in trauma horizontal beam to better demonstrate any joint effusions
- ideal projection to assess lipohaemarthrosis
- used to examine the location of the patella and the patency of the patella tendon
Additional projections
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rolled lateral view
- often performed on bed-bound patients with suspected arthritis
- orthogonal view of the AP projection
- demonstrate the joint space, yet sacrifices any assessment of fluid levels
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skyline (Merchant view)
- superior-inferior projection of the patella.This is an ideal projection for patients that are better suited in the supine position.
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skyline (Laurine view)
- inferior-superior projection of the patella. This projection is best suited to patients able to maintain a semi-recumbent position on the examination table.
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knee AP weight-bearing view
- often used in the context of orthopaedic appointments to obtain images of the knees in their natural anatomical position.
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knee intercondylar view
- view utilised to demonstrate intercondylar space, often used for OA and suspected tibial plateau fractures
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Rosenberg's view
- weight bearing projection used to assess joint space-related pathology such as osteoarthritis
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oblique view
- two views (internal and external) better demonstrating the knee joint in the absence of CT
-<li>rolled lateral view<ul>- +<li>
- +<a title="Knee (lateral view)" href="/articles/knee-lateral-view">rolled lateral view</a><ul>