Femur series

The femur series is comprised of an anteroposterior (AP), and lateral radiograph. The series is utilized to asses for abnormalities pertaining to the shaft of the femur (often requested when fringe abnormality is seen on hip or knee radiographs). It is not an effective series to assess for a neck of femur fractures or injuries of the tibial-femoral joint.

Indications

The femur radiographs are performed for a variety of indications including:

• trauma
• obvious deformities
• suspected foreign body 
• inability to weight bear
• osteomyelitis 

Projections

Standard projections

Due to the limitations of the image detector, these projections are often performed in two images per view to ensure inclusion of both knee and hip joints.

• anteroposterior view
  • demonstrates the lower limb in a natural anatomical position
• lateral view
  • orthogonal projection to the AP view

Modified trauma projections

• Clements-Nakayama view
  • modified horizontal beam lateral view
  • performed in cases of bilateral femur fractures