Standard Patella Views

Question 1

PA Patella: Patient Measurement

Answer 1

A-P, from the popliteal fossa to the patella

Question 2

PA Patella: SID

Answer 2

40”

Question 3

PA Patella: Tube Tilt

Answer 3

None

Question 4

PA Patella: Image Receptor Size

Answer 4

8 x 10” or 10 x 12”

Question 5

PA Patella: Patient Positioning

Answer 5

-Patient lies prone with affected patella placed flat against the image receptor, commonly requiring that the foot be internally rotated 5-10 degrees

Question 6

On a PA Patella, if a fracture is suspected then what can be done to relieve pressure on patella

Answer 6

Sandbags under the adjacent thigh

Question 7

PA Patella: Central Ray Position

Answer 7

Through the center of the popliteal fossa

Question 8

PA Patella: Collimation

Answer 8

To the size of the body part

Question 9

Lateral Patella: SID

Answer 9

40”

Question 10

Lateral Patella: Tube Tilt

Answer 10

None

Question 11

Lateral Patella: Image Receptor Size

Answer 11

8 x 10” or 10 x 12” in portrait orientation

Question 12

Lateral Patella: Patient Positioning

Answer 12

-Patient lies on the affected side with the knee flexed 5-10 degrees
-Lateral aspect of the knee touching the receptor
-Femoral condyles are lined up and perpendicular
-CL leg may be crossed over the thigh of the affected side, out of the collimation field

Question 13

Lateral Patella: Central Ray Position

Answer 13

Through the center of the patellofemoral joint space

Question 14

Tangential Patella: Patient Measurement

Answer 14

A-P from the popliteal fossa to the patella

Question 15

Tangential Patella: SID

Answer 15

38”

Question 16

Tangential Patella: Tube Tilt

Answer 16

-10 degrees for full flexion of the knee
-IF full flexion cannot be achieved than 10-20 degrees may be used to compensate

Question 17

Tangential Patella: Image Receptor Size

Answer 17

8 x 10” or 10 x 12”

Question 18

Tangential Patella: Patient Positioning

Answer 18

Patient lies prone with the knee fully flexed as slowly as possible.
-Entire length of the femur should be flat against surface
-If knee cannot be fully flexed, then the tube is tilted until the x-ray beam is at a 45 degree angle to the patients lower leg

Question 19

Tangential Patella: Central Ray Position

Answer 19

Through the center of the patellofemoral joint space