X-Ray Knee Joint (Both) (PA View) Test

The purpose to take the knee x-ray or knee radiograph is to have the access to the bony structure of the knee joint. At the posterior side of the knee joint is, popliteal fossa. The popliteal fossa has the border of muscles, semimembranosus, biceps femoris, Plantaris and Lateral head of gastrocnemius and medial head of the gastrocnemius. Various vein, arteries and nerve pass through it and thus it is important from the clinical perspective as well.

Appearance of a mass in the popliteal fossa marks many different diagnosis. Two major clinical diagnosis associated with popliteal fossa are baker’s cyst and aneurysm of the popliteal artery. Baker’s cyst: It is caused because of the inflammation or swelling of the semimembranosus bursa which is a fluid filled sac present in the knee joint. Baker’s cyst normally occurs along with the osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. The cyst might rupture as well causing deep vein like thrombosis. Aneurysm refer to the dilation of the artery which is more than the 50 per cent of the normal diameter. The roof of the popliteal fossa which is popliteal fascia is non-extensible and tough and hence the popliteal artery aneurysm might affect the other parts, veins and nerves of the popliteal fossa. For e.g., it might cause the compression of the tibial nerve.

No special diet or fasting is required before the taking the x-ray of the knee joint. No special precautions are needed before the test except for the basic hygiene maintenance

The PA view of the knee joint x-ray shows the early degenerative diseases in the position of the function and is also the most sensitive kind of x-ray of the knee joint. The accurate and exact definition of the width of the intercondylar notch can also be viewed through the x-ray

This is of utmost importance for the patient going through the ACL reconstruction treatment The x-ray also helps the doctor to determine the degree of notchplasty required by measuring the size of the notch in the x-ray

In order have the correct and complete view of the joint, the x-ray is taken at different angles. This helps in proper and right diagnosis. Most of the time, x-ray is taken at right angle position two times so that anterior and posterior both view can be taken The patient needs to stand or lie down on the bed from belly side and the x-ray is taken using the x-ray machine.