Patellofemoral imaging

Imaging of the patella and patellofemoral joint cannot be isolated from ima ging of the knee anymore than the function of the patellofemoral joint can be separated from the function of the entire knee. Therefore, the current a uthor will focus on imaging of the patellofemoral joint yet integrate this with the entire knee. Because radiographs and other imaging techniques are adjuncts to the history and physical examination, and specifically an exten sion of the physical examination, each view or technique must be selected t houghtfully to yield the most useful and accurate information possible. Ima ging techniques range from relatively inexpensive to very costly, yet the a mount of useful information may not show a positive correlation with the co st. Only by integrating the history, physical examination, and the best ima ging techniques can the clinician locate the abnormality, determine its cau se, and plan a proper course of treatment. Radiographic imaging of the pate llofemoral joint requires attention to detail on the part of the technician and knowledge of these techniques on the part of the clinician who orders and interprets the results. Understanding these concepts will help achieve everyone's goal: high-quality and cost-effective orthopaedic care.