Radiographic assessment of bony contributions to knee deformity

Our recommendations for standing radiography of the lower limb are that assessments be standardized with respect to limb rotation and fixed relative positions of the hip, knee, and ankle. Specifically, a neutral knee rotation position should be set up, defined as alignment of the flexion plane straight ahead. For a complete appraisal, there should be both AP and lateral views in which the positioning of the patient is the same in all respects. The QPR frame greatly assists in achieving these objectives. Furthermore, the presence of a calibration system adds to the reliability and reproducibility of data by compensating for errors of position or alignment arising from the placement of the source and the film. Standardization of positioning also improves the detectability of axial-rotational deformities on comparison of AP and lateral views, providing more reliable indications of the need for CT than possible with nonstandardized short views. When a skyline patellar radiograph is added to the QPR routine, the end result is an excellent appraisal of lower limb alignment, providing a solid basis for diagnosis and planning of appropriate surgical remedies.