Which radiographic combination is considered standard for patellar fracture evaluation?

Which radiographic combination is considered standard for patellar fracture evaluation?

• A. AP
• B. Lateral
• C. Sunrise
• D. AP, Lateral, Sunrise

Answer: (D)

A complete evaluation of a suspected patellar fracture relies on imaging views that reveal the fracture in multiple planes and assess the patellofemoral joint surface. Using a three-view radiographic set—AP to show overall knee alignment and fracture in the frontal plane, lateral to reveal sagittal-plane displacement and extensor mechanism involvement, and a sunrise (t tangential) view to directly visualize the patellofemoral articular surface and any intra-articular fracture components—provides the most reliable and thorough assessment. The sunrise view is particularly important because it exposes the articular surface and potential tilt or step-off that can be missed on the AP or lateral views. Relying on a single view risks missing fracture details that influence management, so the standard approach is to obtain all three views together.

A complete evaluation of a suspected patellar fracture relies on imaging views that reveal the fracture in multiple planes and assess the patellofemoral joint surface. Using a three-view radiographic set—AP to show overall knee alignment and fracture in the frontal plane, lateral to reveal sagittal-plane displacement and extensor mechanism involvement, and a sunrise (t tangential) view to directly visualize the patellofemoral articular surface and any intra-articular fracture components—provides the most reliable and thorough assessment. The sunrise view is particularly important because it exposes the articular surface and potential tilt or step-off that can be missed on the AP or lateral views. Relying on a single view risks missing fracture details that influence management, so the standard approach is to obtain all three views together.