Clinique Pasteur Tunis
Knee and leg X-rays (axial kneecap views)
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Knee and leg X-rays (axial kneecap views)

Knee and leg X-rays in Tunis, Tunisia · Centre Urbain Nord

Knee, kneecap and leg X-rays in Tunis: arthritis, pain, fall, fracture of the tibia or fibula.

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What is it?

These X-rays show the knee joint, the kneecap (patella) and the leg bones (tibia and fibula). They are requested for knee pain, arthritis, after a fall or a sports injury. Axial (skyline) views of the kneecap are taken with the knee bent: they show how the kneecap glides in its groove, which is useful for pain at the front of the knee or an unstable kneecap. For arthritis, some images are taken standing, weight-bearing, to better assess cartilage wear. The examination may cover one side or both, from the front and/or the side, with additional views if needed. Ligaments and menisci do not show on X-rays: they are examined by MRI.

When is it indicated?

Knee arthritis

Weight-bearing images assess joint space narrowing, useful for follow-up and before a possible knee replacement.

Pain at the front of the knee, unstable kneecap

Axial views show the position and gliding of the kneecap.

Fall or injury

It looks for a fracture of the knee, kneecap, tibia or fibula.

Checking a prosthesis or fracture

It checks the position of hardware or the healing of the bone.

Preparation

1Tell us before the examination if you are pregnant or think you might be
2Remove jewellery, watch, belt, piercings and any metal object located in the area to be X-rayed
3Wear clothing that easily uncovers the knee, or undress down to your underwear
4Tell us about a knee replacement or previous knee surgery
5Bring your referral and any previous X-rays or reports of the same area

Procedure

1

You remove clothing and metal objects from the area being examined, in a changing cubicle

2

You lie down or stand as requested, with your leg against the plate

3

For axial views, the knee is bent and the image is taken along the line of the kneecap

4

Several images may be taken from different angles, called "views": from the front, from the side (lateral), sometimes at an oblique angle

5

During each image you need to keep still for a few seconds; you may be asked to hold your breath

6

After the examination, you can return to your usual activities straight away

Duration

About 5 to 15 minutes

Results

The images are analysed by a radiologist, who writes a report. It is given to you with the images and sent to your doctor, who will explain the results and the next steps. You will be told on the day of the examination when the results will be ready.

Precautions and contraindications

Low X-ray dose; an X-ray is painless and leaves nothing behind in the body
During pregnancy, X-rays are avoided, or carried out with precautions if they are really necessary
Only the position may be slightly uncomfortable if you are in pain or injured; the team adapts how you are positioned
Ligaments and menisci do not show on X-rays: an MRI may be suggested afterwards

Your doctor and the radiology team will inform you in detail before the examination. Feel free to ask them your questions.

This information is general and does not replace the advice of your doctor, who chooses the examination suited to your situation.

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