The Rosenberg view is a weight-bearing X-ray view with the knees bent at 45 degrees, and which is sensitive in terms of looking for early osteoarthritis of the knee and joint space narrowing.

Page updated March 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

rosenberg view
If the meniscus and/or articular cartilage are deficient on one side, the weight going through the joint will decrease the gap between tibia and femur on that side. This may not be evident in a non-weight-bearing film.

 

How is the patient positioned for a Rosenberg View?

For the Rosenberg view, the patient stands with the knees bent to 45 degrees against the X-ray plate, while the X-ray machine is behind the knee at an angle slightly downwards (45° flexion PA weight-bearing view).

An arthritic patient may find it difficult to maintain this position, in which case a Schuss view may be applicable, where the angle of flexion is reduced to 30 degrees.

Once the surgeon has reviewed the films, any signs of osteoarthritis present will allow the arthritis stage to be graded (eg Kellgren-Lawrence Classification). This is similar to the Outerbridge grading that is possible during arthroscopy.

 

Quotes from peer-reviewed papers:

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What will the radiologist be looking for?

The Rosenberg view may offer information about narrowing of the normal joint space which is not available in a straight-leg X-ray.

There may also be evidence of bone spurs and cysts, and irregular bone density.

The information gained will allow the surgeon to follow the progression of any bony arthritic changes over time.

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Original reference

Rosenberg TD, Paulos LE, Parker RD, Coward DB, Scott SM. The forty-five-degree posteroanterior flexion weight-bearing radiograph of the knee. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1988 Dec;70(10):1479-83. PMID: 3198672.

 

Synonyms: 
tunnel view
PA-tunnel view
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Dr Sheila Strover (Editor)
BSc (Hons), MB BCh, MBA

See biography...