CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

What is the major disadvantage of the Settegast method?

1. It requires over-flexion of the knee

2. It yields inaccurate results

3. It is time-consuming

4. It requires extensive patient mobility

The correct answer is: It requires over-flexion of the knee

The major disadvantage of the Settegast method is that it requires over-flexion of the knee. This technique is used primarily for obtaining radiographic images of the patella in profile and may necessitate bending the knee to a significant degree, which can be uncomfortable or difficult for some patients. Over-flexion can also increase the risk of injury in patients with existing knee conditions or limitations in mobility. Other potential challenges associated with this technique are related to patient comfort and positioning. While yielding accurate results is typically a strength of this method, the aspect of over-flexion poses a significant drawback in clinical settings, particularly for patients with joint pathologies or other mobility restrictions. The requirement for extensive patient mobility is less of a focus as the technique primarily hinges on the degree of knee flexion rather than overall mobility, so patients with limited ability to flex their knee may struggle with this positioning. Thus, while various factors can influence the choice of imaging methods, the specific issue of over-flexion distinctly highlights the disadvantages inherent to the Settegast method.