Knee (Rosenberg view)

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The Rosenberg view of the knees is a specialized series often used to detect early signs of osteoarthritis. It should be the initial study for any patient with a suspicion of knee osteoarthritis.

Indications

The Rosenberg view is performed for any patient with a suspicion of knee osteoarthritis. It consists of a PA radiograph with weight-bearing and 45 degrees of knee flexion. It is more sensitive than standard weight-bearing radiographs for the detection of joint space narrowing .

Patient position

  • the patient is erect facing the upright detector with knees slightly bent to around 45 degrees

Technical factors

  • posteroanterior projection
  • centering point
    • central ray is angle 10-20 degrees caudad at the level of the knee joint typically 1.5 cm distal to the apex of the patella
  • collimation (bilateral)
    • superior to include both distal femurs
    • inferior to include the proximal tibia/fibula
    • lateral to include both knees skin margin 
  • orientation  
    • landscape
  • detector size
    • 35 cm x 30 cm
  • exposure
    • 60-70 kVp
    • 7-10 mAs
  • SID
    • 100 cm
  • grid
    • no

Image technical evaluation

  • tibial plateau should be free from any superimposition
  • femoral condyles should be free from superimposition with the intercondylar fossa in profile, giving the appearance of a 'notch'

Practical points

Patients whom must have this examination performed will have trouble maintaining this position, due to the knee problems they are investigating. Ensure clear demonstrating and instruction is given to the patient before position, and, on completion, the patient is made aware so they can get in a more comfortable position.

An alternate view is the Schuss view, which differs from a flexion angle of 30 degrees.

History and etymology

It was described by T.D. Rosenberg, in 1988 .