On a lateral knee radiograph, the condyles are superimposed with the knee flexed around how many degrees?

On a lateral knee radiograph, the condyles are superimposed with the knee flexed around how many degrees?

• A. 0 degrees
• B. 45 degrees
• C. 60 degrees
• D. 15 degrees

Answer: (B)

In a lateral knee radiograph, you want a true lateral view where the posterior surfaces of the femoral condyles overlap. This overlap indicates the knee is positioned without rotation. Achieving this requires the knee to be flexed to a mid-range amount of bend, which brings the condyles into the same plane from the side. If the knee is nearly straight, the condyles won’t overlap properly and the view won’t be truly lateral. If it’s too tightly bent, the geometry changes and the condyles may lose that overlap again. The mid-range flexion best aligns the posterior aspects of the condyles, giving a clean, overlapping silhouette that confirms proper positioning and makes it easier to assess the knee structures.

In a lateral knee radiograph, you want a true lateral view where the posterior surfaces of the femoral condyles overlap. This overlap indicates the knee is positioned without rotation. Achieving this requires the knee to be flexed to a mid-range amount of bend, which brings the condyles into the same plane from the side.

If the knee is nearly straight, the condyles won’t overlap properly and the view won’t be truly lateral. If it’s too tightly bent, the geometry changes and the condyles may lose that overlap again. The mid-range flexion best aligns the posterior aspects of the condyles, giving a clean, overlapping silhouette that confirms proper positioning and makes it easier to assess the knee structures.