Abstract
Usefulness of the anteroposterior (AP) view radiograph of the knee in deep flexion was assessed. In this method, the thigh of the subject was placed on a specially designed device so that the lower leg hung and the knee flexion angle was 120 degrees. The direction of the X-ray beam was set parallel to the tibial plateau, and the cassette was placed proximal to the knee joint. AP radiograph in deep flexion and the so called epicondylar view radiograph at 90 degrees knee flexion were taken in 10 normal male subjects with and without 1.5kg loading. On the radiographs, distal femoral condyles and tibial plateaus were clearly visible. The effect of 1.5kg loading on the joint gap distance was smaller in deep flexion. With these radiographs on deep knee flexion, knee joint gap can be evaluated before and after total knee arthroplasty.
