X-ray is only required in patients who have an acute injury and one or more of the following:
Age >55
Isolated tenderness of the patella
Tenderness at the fibular head
Inability flex to 90 degrees
Inability to walk 4 steps BOTH immediately after the injury and in the ED
Anteroposterior and lateral views
Consider sunrise if pain over patella
Consider sunrise if pain over patella
Normally clinically diagnosed initially or referred for re-exam in 4-5 days after decrease of swelling
Primary medical doctor or orthopedics may later use MRI for definitive diagnosis
Primary medical doctor or orthopedics may later use MRI for definitive diagnosis
Meniscus and ligament knee injuries
Knee dislocation
Acute knee injury
Knee fractures
Ankle syndesmosis injury
Patella fracture
Boxer's fracture
Segond fracture