Weight-bearing knees and feet

Patient and part

Weight-bearing views are common in orthopedic and podiatry clinics. They show the joints the way they work under body weight. For the AP standing bilateral knees, the patient stands with the back against the upright IR, weight even on both legs, feet straight ahead and knees fully extended. For the PA weight-bearing knees in flexion, the Rosenberg method, the patient faces the IR with the knees flexed about 45 degrees and the patellae touching the IR. For standing feet, the patient stands on a sturdy step or platform with weight even on both feet. For the AP, the IR is flat under the feet. For the lateral, the IR stands upright in a slot in the step, between the feet or beside the foot. Give the patient something to hold and stay close.