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Review
. 2024 Nov 19;13(22):6975.
doi: 10.3390/jcm13226975.

Radiological Approach to Assessment of Lower-Limb Alignment-Coronal and Transverse Plane Analysis

Anna Michalska-Foryszewska  1 , Piotr Modzelewski  2 , Katarzyna Sklinda  1 , Bartosz Mruk  1 , Jerzy Walecki  1
Affiliations
Review

Radiological Approach to Assessment of Lower-Limb Alignment-Coronal and Transverse Plane Analysis

Anna Michalska-Foryszewska et al. J Clin Med. .

Abstract

Lower-limb alignment deformities constitute a significant clinical concern, as they can lead to serious complications, including progressive degenerative diseases and disabilities. Rotational deformities may give rise to conditions such as joint arthrosis, patellar instability, and the degeneration of the patellofemoral cartilage. Therefore, a comprehensive evaluation of lower-limb alignment is essential for the effective patient management, preoperative planning, and successful correction of these deformities. The primary assessment method employs full-length standing radiographs in the anteroposterior (AP) projection, which facilitates accurate measurements of the anatomical and mechanical axes of the lower limb, including angles and deviations. The outcomes of this analysis are vital for the meticulous planning of osteotomy and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). In addition, computed tomography (CT) provides a specialized approach for the precise evaluation of femoral and tibial rotation. In this area, there are potential opportunities for the implementation of AI-based automated measurement systems.

Keywords: X-ray imaging; computed tomography; lower-limb alignment; osteotomy; rotational deformities.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Evaluation of the mechanical and anatomical axes of the lower limb (based on Luís et al. [8]).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Evaluation of lower-limb angles (based on Luís et al. [8]).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Rotation deformities: femoral torsion angle and tibial torsion angle (based on Luís et al. [8]).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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