Tag Archives: instability

Stress Views Hand Wrist
4
Feb

Overview

Stress radiographs apply controlled force to evaluate ligamentous integrity and joint stability in the wrist and hand. They are performed under fluoroscopic guidance or with manual stress during radiography. Stress views help determine need for surgical stabilization.

Technique

Apply varus valgus or axial stress while obtaining targeted projections of the wrist or hand. Use protective measures and informed consent due to discomfort risk. Document the applied stress and technique used for reproducibility.

Clinical Indications

Stress views are indicated for suspected scapholunate instability ulnar collateral ligament injury and carpal instability. They assess dynamic widening or subluxation not evident on static views. MRI may be used to directly visualize ligament tears when needed.

Image Assessment

Measure joint space widening and compare with the contralateral side. Evaluate for dynamic subluxation and associated fractures. Report findings to guide orthopedic decision making and potential surgical repair.

Knee Sunrise Skyline
4
Feb

Overview

The sunrise or skyline view images the patellofemoral joint with the knee flexed to visualize the patellar surface and trochlea. It is useful for detecting patellar subluxation and chondral lesions. Proper flexion angle optimizes visualization of the joint surface.

Technique

Flex the knee to the required angle and center the detector to the patella with the beam tangential to the patellofemoral joint. Use a small focal spot and immobilize the limb to reduce motion. Adjust exposure for the increased soft tissue thickness.

Clinical Indications

Sunrise view is indicated for anterior knee pain suspected patellar instability and chondral injury. It complements AP and lateral views for comprehensive knee assessment. MRI provides detailed cartilage evaluation when needed.

Image Assessment

Assess patellar alignment trochlear morphology and joint space narrowing. Look for osteochondral fragments and subluxation. Report findings relevant to surgical planning and rehabilitation.

Ankle Mortise Stress
4
Feb

Overview

Ankle stress radiographs apply controlled force to evaluate syndesmotic and lateral ligament stability. They are performed under fluoroscopic guidance or with manual stress during radiography. Stress views help determine need for surgical stabilization.

Technique

Apply inversion eversion or external rotation stress while obtaining AP mortise or specialized stress projections. Use protective measures and informed consent due to discomfort risk. Document the applied stress and technique used.

Clinical Indications

Stress views are indicated for suspected ligamentous injury when standard views are inconclusive. They assess widening of the mortise and talar tilt. MRI may be used to directly visualize ligament tears when needed.

Image Assessment

Measure joint space widening and talar tilt compared with the contralateral side. Evaluate for associated fractures and instability patterns. Report findings to guide orthopedic decision making.