Comprehension: X-Rays of the Knee
AP and lateral radiographs of the knee are shown. The knee joint space is clearly seen between the femur and the tibia in these images. The articular cartilages of the femur and tibia primarily occupy this area; the medial and lateral menisci fill only a small amount of this space. In the AP projection, note the medial femoral condyle, which is slightly larger than the lateral, and the tibial spines which anchor the cruciate ligaments to the tibia. The two tibial condyles and the central aspect of the tibia between them make up the "tibial plateau". This is a common site for major fractures of the knee joint. A "sunrise view" of the patella, below, (a tangential radiograph of the knee) shows the normal relationship between this bone and the adjacent femoral condyles. The articular space between the patella and the medial femoral condyle has a steeper inclination than the contralateral side. This has an implication for subluxation of the patella, allowing for easier lateral displacement.
Knee
"Sunrise View" of Patella