The whole leg radiograph: standing versus supine for determining axial alignment

Acta Orthop Scand. 2003 Oct;74(5):565-8. doi: 10.1080/00016470310017965.

Abstract

The whole leg radiograph (WLR), the standard technique for determining axial alignment, is usually taken in a standing position, although some prefer the supine position. To determine the difference between these two positions, we performed a standing and a supine WLR in 20 patients with a varus alignment. We found an average of 2 degrees more varus deviation in the standing position than in the supine position.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leg / diagnostic imaging*
  • Leg / physiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Posture
  • Prospective Studies
  • Radiography / methods
  • Rotation