What is the recommended degree of flexion for a lateral view of the knee in a recumbent position?

The recommended degree of flexion for a lateral view of the knee in a recumbent position is 20-30 degrees. This specific range allows for optimal visualization of the knee joint structures, including the relationship between the femur and the tibia, as well as the patella's position relative to the femur. At this degree of flexion, the surrounding soft tissues and bony landmarks are adequately represented without excessive overlap, thereby helping radiologists and healthcare providers assess for any abnormalities or injuries effectively.

Flexing the knee within this range strikes a balance between having enough flexion to see the joint clearly while preventing the position from being too extended or too flexed, which could obscure important anatomical features or lead to misinterpretations of the imaging results.