Contemporary methods of acquiring patellofemoral joint radiographs: a scoping review

Patellofemoral joint (PFJ) pathology is prevalent and associated with significant morbidity. Although protocols for PFJ radiograph acquisition exist, standardized methods to acquire radiographs of the have yet be universally adopted, resulting in variances patient positioning, weight-bearing status, knee flexion angle, beam direction, leading inconsistent assessment. We conducted a scoping review literature determine commonly described acquiring radiographs, evaluate used specific settings, disciplines, regions, different pathologies. Adhering PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we searched common databases using keywords related concepts ‘patellofemoral’ ‘radiograph’. Two independent assessors screened each record eligibility. Studies published between 2014-2018 describing radiographic were included. non-human subjects, pediatric populations under 10 years, cadaver studies, single-subject studies excluded. Qualitative synthesis was performed. From 15,053 unique records, 549 articles Four projections reported (lateral (84.3% articles), axial (68.5%), anteroposterior/posteroanterior (66.3%), lower-limb alignment (21.1%)). found marked variability projection relation views acquired (e.g., 13 plane views) techniques direction). Acquisition varied across pathologies without clear patterns emerging. Our findings highlight considerable contemporary literature. The lack standardization may make it difficult accurately assess estimate true population prevalence pathology.