Background: It is often difficult to evaluate the posterior aspects
of the femoral condyles after total knee arthroplasty. We have developed an
imaging technique involving the use of the oblique posterior condylar view for
the evaluation of the posterior aspects of the femoral condyles. The purpose
of the present study was to compare the efficacy of this view with that of the
true-lateral view.
Methods: Three orthopaedic surgeons analyzed fifty-five sets of
radiographs (consisting of oblique posterior condylar and true-lateral views)
for patients who had undergone total knee arthroplasty. The accuracy and
reproducibility of the oblique posterior condylar view for the detection of
radiolucencies were compared with those of the true-lateral view.
Results: The oblique posterior condylar view was significantly
better than the true-lateral view for the detection of radiolucencies of the
posterior aspects of the femoral condyles (p < 0.0005).
Conclusions: Radiographic analysis with use of the oblique posterior
condylar view is technically easy and is accurate for the evaluation of
radiolucencies of the posterior aspects of the femoral condyles after total
knee arthroplasty.