The patella is ideally suited for imaging, and when it comes to detecting malalignment the doctor will usually start with plain x-rays.
Page first published 2006, and reviewed August 2023 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)
Here the standard of care would be to obtain four X-rays. These would include the so-called AP (front-to-back), the side view (otherwise known as the lateral), the standing tunnel view and the so-called Merchant view – otherwise known sometimes as the axial view or sunrise view.
The other two views that I mentioned at the onset – the AP and the standing tunnel view – are extremely important for detecting problems in the other compartment of the knee but, relatively speaking, they do not provide much information with regards to the kneecap.
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