What lower leg projection will best demonstrate the proximal tibiofibular articulations?

What lower leg projection will best demonstrate the proximal tibiofibular articulations?

• A. Medial internal oblique
• B. Lateral
• C. AP
• D. Lateral external oblique

Answer: (A)

To see the proximal tibiofibular joints clearly, you need to open up the joint so the fibular head isn’t overlapped by the tibia. Rotating the leg medially (internal rotation) to obtain a medial oblique view accomplishes this best. The obliquity moves the fibula away from the tibia just enough that the articulating surfaces are visualized, making the proximal tibiofibular joints more conspicuous on the radiograph. An AP view tends to keep the bones more overlapped and obscures the joint, while a lateral or external oblique rotation doesn’t provide the optimal separation of the joint surfaces.

To see the proximal tibiofibular joints clearly, you need to open up the joint so the fibular head isn’t overlapped by the tibia. Rotating the leg medially (internal rotation) to obtain a medial oblique view accomplishes this best. The obliquity moves the fibula away from the tibia just enough that the articulating surfaces are visualized, making the proximal tibiofibular joints more conspicuous on the radiograph.

An AP view tends to keep the bones more overlapped and obscures the joint, while a lateral or external oblique rotation doesn’t provide the optimal separation of the joint surfaces.