Kneeling view: a new roentgenographic technique to assess rotational deformity and alignment of the distal femur.

Computed tomography (CT) has been used to assess the rotational alignment of the distal femur. The purpose of this study was to establish a simple radiographic technique to evaluate the posterior femoral condyles. For this study, 39 osteoarthritic knees and 19 normal knees were examined. The condylar twist angle and posterior condylar angle were measured using a new roentgenographic technique ("the kneeling view") and CT images. The kneeling view is a posteroanterior projection parallel to the articular surface with 80 degrees knee flexion. In this view, the transepicondylar axis and posterior condylar line can be seen. We noted statistically significant correlation between the angles on the kneeling view and those on CT images. Therefore, the kneeling view can be used as a substitute for CT in the measurement of rotational alignment of the distal femur.