Image Evaluation for Lower Leg, Knee and Patella

These flashcards cover key concepts, positioning guidelines, and anatomical details related to the evaluation of images for the lower leg, knee, and patella.

What does AP stand for in AP Lower Leg?

Anteroposterior.

What are the key components to evaluate in an AP Lower Leg X-ray?

Tibial condyles, head of fibula, tibia, and fibula.

What is important for proper positioning and centering in the lateral lower leg?

Ventilate patella, tibial tuberosity, and ensure all key structures are included.

What should be avoided to ensure a clear image of the lower leg?

Poor collimation and centering.

What is one indication of poor alignment in an AP Knee?

Poor alignment and rotation of the knee.

What are the three key factors for a proper lateral knee view?

Proper tube angle, proper flexion, and proper positioning.

What angle should the tube be set at to visualize the medial condyle correctly in a lateral knee?

A cephalic angle.

What is the recommended knee flexion for a true lateral view?

20-30 degrees.

How can under rotation be identified in a knee X-ray?

The anterior surface of medial condyle is further from the patella.

What identifies over rotation in the knee position?

The anterior surface of medial condyle is closer to the patella.

What anatomical landmark helps in proper true lateral positioning of the knee?

Adductor tubercle.

What features indicate over flexion of the knee when positioning?

Flexion in excess of 30 degrees.

What is the correct position of the patella for a lateral knee X-ray?

Patella in lateral profile.

How can one ensure that the knee is properly aligned when assessing the X-ray?

The apex of the patella should not be seen in the intercondylar fossa.

What is the proper relationship between the medial and lateral condyles in lateral knee X-ray?

The medial condyle should appear lower than the lateral condyle.

What defines adequate tube angulation for lateral knee views?

Correct angulation results in proper visualization of the joint space.

What does insufficient tube angle result in during a knee X-ray?

The medial condyle appears below the lateral condyle.

What anatomical structure is found superior to the medial epicondyle?

Adductor tubercle.

What is the effect of insufficient tubal angle on the knee visualization?

Lateral condyle would appear in the joint space.

What should be kept in mind while taking a tangential view of the patella?

Tube must be perpendicular to the joint space.

What common error leads to poor positioning in knee X-rays?

Tube not being perpendicular to the joint space.

What is evaluated in the tangential view of the patella?

Patellar position and joint alignment.

What is a common mistake in lower leg X-rays?

Poor collimation and centering.

What should the knee be flexed to achieve proper positioning?

20-30 degrees.

How do you identify if a lateral knee is over rotated?

Less superimposition of the tibia and fibula.

How is a knee positioned for true lateral representation?

Superimposed femoral epicondyles.

What feature identifies under rotation in knee positioning?

Greater superimposition of the tibia and fibula.

In a lateral view, how should the tibia and fibula appear?

Slightly superimposed.

What results from poor alignment in an AP knee?

The knee may appear rotated.

What positioning mistake causes the patella to not show accurately?

Incorrect flexion or alignment.

Why is the adductor tubercle significant in knee X-rays?

It helps to locate proper positioning.

What does a proper lateral knee X-ray demonstrate primarily?

Open patellofemoral joint space.

What should be observed if the anterior surface of the medial condyle is closer to the patella?

Indication of over-rotation.

How can over angulation affect the joint space appearance?

Lateral condyle might appear located within the joint space.

What should be avoided to maintain a clear imaging of the lower leg, knee and patella?

Poor centering and positioning.

What are signs of misalignment in lower leg imaging?

Tibiofibular joint misrepresentation.

What is critical to achieve in the tangential view of the patella?

Accurate rotational alignment.

What happens when the knee is too over-flexed?

Compromise of visualization of structures.

What is the function of proper collimation in X-ray imaging?

To enhance image focus and quality.

What anatomical structures should not be obscured in knee views?

Medial and lateral condyles.