knee X-ray (musculoskeletal imaging in primary care)
Last reviewed 01/2018
Knee Xray
- chronic knee pain warrants x-ray examination at any age
- in the >50 age group x-ray examination must be performed before requesting
an MRI as the former can highlight OA, which is often the major contributor
to symptoms despite concurrent meniscal or ligamentous abnormality
- anterior knee pain with suspected injury to the extensor mechanism (quadriceps and patellar tendons) or lump necessitates ultrasound examination first
Notes:
General Indications for x-ray examination
- Bony tenderness
- Inability to weight-bear
- Acute joint pain
- Gross joint deformity
- Acute spinal pain in elderly (to rule out osteoporotic wedge fracture)
Reference:
- 1) Arthritis Research UK (Summer 2013). Hands on - Musculoskeletal imaging for GPs.