The axial view of the patello-femoral joint. Description of a new radiographic method for routine use.

A new and simple method for the axial view of the patello-femoral joint is described. The patients are examined in the erect position with a standardized inclination of the lower leg of 15 degrees. If a high or a low vertical position of the patella occurs, the device allows a change of the inclination of the lower leg with optimum axial views as a result in more than 94 per cent of 300 knee examinations. The device is recommended for standardized and reproducible examinations of the patello-femoral joint.