CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

AP knee stress projections are primarily used to demonstrate which of the following?

1. Patellar dislocation

2. Osgoode Schlatter Disease

3. Medial or collateral ligament damage

4. Osteoarthritis

The correct answer is: Medial or collateral ligament damage

AP knee stress projections are primarily utilized to demonstrate medial or collateral ligament damage. This specific technique involves applying stress to the knee joint during the imaging process, which allows for visualization of the stability and integrity of the ligaments. By producing images under stress conditions, radiographers can more clearly identify any abnormalities or tears in the ligaments, particularly the medial collateral ligament, which is tested during abduction stress, and the lateral collateral ligament, which is assessed during adduction stress. While other conditions like patellar dislocation, Osgood-Schlatter Disease, and osteoarthritis may affect the knee, they are not specifically evaluated through stress projections. Patellar dislocation primarily involves issues with the alignment or positioning of the patella rather than the collateral ligaments. Osgood-Schlatter Disease is related to the tibial tuberosity and does not typically require stress projections for diagnosis. Osteoarthritis focuses more on joint space, bone changes, and cartilage degeneration, which are better assessed through standard radiographic techniques rather than stress imaging. Therefore, stress projections are specifically advantageous for identifying ligamentous injuries, making the choice focused on medial or collateral ligament damage the most appropriate.