Lower Extremities
13 Femur
Anatomy
femoral condyles, femoral epicondyles, intercondylar fossa, femoral body, adductor tubercle, femoral head, femoral neck, greater trochanter, lesser trochanter, intertrochanteric crest, acetabulum, patella, patellar base, patellar apex, medial and lateral meniscus
Projections
[Part], PA or AP
CR Location
[Part], PA or AP –
Evaluation Criteria
[Part], PA or AP –
.
Hows & Whys of Femur Radiography
- How can you tell that a lateral femur is in true lateral position?
- Greater trochanter is superimposed by the femur, and the anterior and posterior margins of the femoral condyles will be aligned.
- How much of the lower leg should be included on the femur images?
- At least one inch.
- What should the top of the image line up with on the projections including the hip?
- The top of the image should be even with the ASIS.
- How can you tell that the AP femur is not rotated?
- The femoral and tibial condyles are symmetrical, and greater trochanter and femoral head and neck are seen in full profile.
- If a fracture is suspected, how are lateral projections obtained?
- An image receptor is placed vertically behind the affected leg. The opposite leg is raised if it is in the way, and the central ray is directed parallel to the floor, perpendicular to the image.
- Why should the toes be inverted on the AP projection of the femur?
- To rotate the hip into true AP