Radiology Coding Alert

The most common radiological examination of the knee includes the anteroposterior and lateral views. A complete radiological examination of the knee includes the axilla and tunnel views of the knee in addition to the anteroposterior and lateral views.

You may come across various terms for different views of the knee and varying reasons or requesting these views. “However, it is best to count the number of views and not focus on complete or partial examinations,” says Laureen Jandroep, CPC, CPC-H, CPC-I, CMSCS, CHCI, CEO Certification Coaching Organization, LLC CodingCertification.Org, Egg Harbor City, NJ.

Here are the typical views you will encounter for knee radiological examination:

1. Anterior posterior view of the knee helps to explore the femoral/tibial angle, the medial and lateral joint space, and the position, size, and integrity of patella.
2. Lateral view of the knee is a side view used to study the patellar height in relation to the joint line.
3. Axilla view of the knee shows the profiles of the patellofemoral joint and is used to diagnose a patellar tilt and patellar subluxation.
4. Tangential patellar view is used to study the patella and the trochlea surfaces of the femur.
5. Tunnel radiograph of the knee provides an angled posteroanterior view of the knee.