[Trauma of the knee joint--radiological diagnosis]

The knee, the largest joint in the human body, is composed of the distal femur, the proximal tibia, the patella, and a complex arrangement of ligaments and menisci. This joint is particularly vulnerable because of its anatomic, functional, and mechanical characteristics. Depending on the severity and the specific mechanism of the trauma, injuries of soft tissue structures or bony elements or even a combination of both may be present. In case of severe pain caused by traumatic events clinical tests may be insufficient for exact diagnosis and radiological examinations are mandatory for an effective planing of the therapeutic management.