title: [Value of radiographic examination of the knee joint for the orthopedic surgeon].
abstract: Extended radiographic examinations offer excellent options for diagnosis and strategy for treatment of the knee joint. The whole-leg radiograph is indispensable in measuring alignment for osteotomy or total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Fluoroscopically assisted varus-valgus stress radiographs provide the possibility for verifying mechanical function of the implanted knee prosthesis. Ultrasound examinations have been widely replaced by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI is the golden standard to examine intra-articular structures of the knee (meniscus, ligaments, cartilage) and surrounding soft tissue. For evaluating femoral and tibial torsion and determining axial rotation of TKA, computed tomography (CT) is best qualified. Imaging of the patellofemoral joint (patella instability) is difficult; CT scans in combination with true lateral radiographs seem to be helpful.
authors.affiliation: Abteilung für Orthopädie und orthopädische Chirurgie, Allgemeines und orthopädisches LKH Stolzalpe/Osterreich. martin.pietsch@lkh-stolzalpe.at
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pietsch
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hofmann
mesh_terms: D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D009985:Orthopedics / Q000379:methods; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000379:methods*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D011379:Prognosis; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome