Radiologic Procedures I: Lower Limb, Femur & Pelvic Girdle

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering anatomical terminology, special radiographic projections, positioning angles, and joint evaluations for Chapters 6 and 7 (Lower Extremity, Femur, and Pelvic Girdle).

Dorsiflexion

Movement of the foot upward where the toes move toward the shin, decreasing the angle between the foot and lower leg.

Plantar Flexion

Movement of the foot downward where the toes point away from the shin, increasing the angle between the foot and lower leg.

Inversion

Foot movement where the sole of the foot turns inward toward the midline and the medial border elevates.

Eversion

Foot movement where the sole of the foot turns outward away from the midline and the lateral border elevates.

Lisfranc Joint

The tarsometatarsal joint located between the distal tarsal bones and the bases of the metatarsals, connecting the midfoot to the forefoot.

Chopart Joint

The transverse tarsal joint located between the hindfoot and midfoot, formed by the talonavicular and calcaneocuboid articulations.

Menisci

Two crescent-shaped pieces of fibrocartilage located between the femur and tibia inside the knee joint that absorb shock, distribute weight, improve stability, and reduce friction.

Medial Meniscus

A C-shaped fibrocartilaginous structure in the knee that is more commonly injured than the lateral meniscus.

Lateral Meniscus

A more circular fibrocartilaginous structure located inside the knee joint between the femur and tibia.

Bursae

Small, fluid-filled sacs located around joints that reduce friction, cushion bones, tendons, and muscles, and allow smooth movement.

Prepatellar Bursa

A bursa located in front of the patella between the skin and the patella.

Suprapatellar Bursa

A bursa located above the patella between the quadriceps tendon and the femur that communicates directly with the knee joint cavity.

Infrapatellar Bursa

A bursa located below the patella that includes superficial and deep components.

Pes Anserine Bursa

A bursa situated on the medial side of the knee near the proximal tibia.

Bursitis

Inflammation of a bursa that can cause swelling, tenderness, and pain.

Innominate Bones

The paired pelvic structures, also termed hip bones, coxal bones, or os coxae, each formed by the fusion of the ilium, ischium, and pubis at the acetabulum.

Ilium

The largest and superior portion of each innominate bone, featuring the iliac crest and forming the upper part of the acetabulum.

Ischium

The posterior and inferior portion of the innominate bone containing the ischial tuberosity, known as the sitting bone.

Pubis

The anterior and inferior portion of the innominate bone that articulates with the opposite pubic bone at the pubic symphysis.

Gynecoid Pelvis

A pelvic inlet type characterized by a round, nearly circular shape that is generally wider and roomier.

Android Pelvis

A pelvic inlet type characterized by a heart-shaped opening with a narrow anterior portion and angular contours.

Anthropoid Pelvis

A pelvic inlet type characterized by an oval shape with an elongated anteroposterior (AP) diameter and narrower transverse measurement.

Platypelloid Pelvis

A pelvic inlet type characterized by a flat shape featuring a wide transverse diameter from left to right and a short anteroposterior diameter.

Inversion Stress View

A specialized radiographic projection where the foot is stressed inward to evaluate the integrity of lateral ankle ligaments, including the calcaneofibular ligament.

Eversion Stress View

A specialized radiographic projection where the foot is stressed outward to evaluate the medial ankle ligament complex, particularly the deltoid ligament.

Kite Method

A specialized radiographic procedure evaluating congenital clubfoot (talipes equinovarus) by assessing the alignment and relationship between the talus and calcaneus.

Harris-Beath Method

An axial radiographic projection of the calcaneus used to demonstrate the heel and subtalar articulation.

Broden Method

A specialized projection using oblique positioning and angled central rays to demonstrate the posterior subtalar joint and its posterior facet.

Camp-Coventry Method

A PA axial projection performed with the patient prone and the knee flexed to demonstrate the intercondylar fossa.

Holmblad Method

A projection performed with the patient in a kneeling position and the knee flexed approximately $70^\circ$ to demonstrate the intercondylar fossa.

Settegast Method

A tangential projection of the patella performed with the patient usually prone and the knee flexed approximately $90^\circ$ as tolerated to evaluate the patellofemoral joint.

Merchant Method

A bilateral tangential projection where the patient is supine with knees flexed approximately $40^\circ$ and the CR is angled caudad to demonstrate both patellofemoral joints.

Laurin Method

A tangential radiographic projection performed with approximately $20^\circ$ knee flexion to evaluate patellar alignment and patellofemoral relationships.

Judet Method

A specialized pelvis evaluation consisting of two $45^\circ$ posterior oblique projections (obturator and iliac) used to demonstrate the acetabulum.

Obturator Oblique View

A Judet posterior oblique position that demonstrates the anterior column and posterior wall of the acetabulum.

Iliac Oblique View

A Judet posterior oblique position that demonstrates the posterior column and anterior wall of the acetabulum.

Taylor Method

An AP axial pelvic outlet projection utilizing a cephalad CR angle (commonly $20^\circ\text{--}35^\circ$) to demonstrate the pelvic outlet and the pubic and ischial rami.

AP Axial Pelvic Inlet

A radiographic projection of the pelvis utilizing a caudad CR angle (commonly $40^\circ$) to demonstrate the pelvic inlet and pelvic ring.

Ankle Mortise Projection

An ankle projection requiring $15^\circ\text{--}20^\circ$ internal leg rotation to place the intermalleolar line parallel to the image receptor and open the ankle mortise joint space.

Cross-Table Lateral Hip

A horizontal CR projection with the IR beside the affected hip, used when a hip fracture is suspected to visualize the femoral head and neck without manipulating the limb.

Frog-Leg Lateral Hip

A lateral hip projection performed by flexing and abducting the hip, contraindicated when hip fracture or dislocation is suspected.

Greater Trochanter

The prominent bony projection situated on the lateral aspect of the proximal femur.

Lesser Trochanter

The small bony prominence located on the posteromedial aspect of the proximal femur.