Introduction: In this diploma work we conducted a research on the influence of the angle of central beam and knee positioning on the presentation of anatomical structures of the knee. We took X-rays of the knee phantom in the faculty laboratory. We changed positions of the knee and course of the central beam and based on x-ray photos we determined how they affect the display of anatomical structures. We changed the beam course in the cranial direction and moved the knee in medial and lateral direction. We used same exposition factors and field of view on every photo. Purpose: purpose of diploma work is to research influence of the central beam angle and position of the knee on the display of anatomical structures. Methods: The research was performed on a knee phantom in the laboratory of Faculty of Health Sciences in Ljubljana. It was divided in two parts. In first part we changed the width of the hips and angle of central beam. The acetabulum on a simulated thinner pelvic bone was 9 cm away from the surface while on the wider pelvic bone it was 13 cm away. We made radiograms from 4° to 15° cranial on both widths, by changing angle for 1° per exposure. In the second part we were changing the rotation of the knee. Patella was 2cm away from the surface on first exposure and then we rotated for 0,5 cm on each exposure all the way up to 12 cm. Results: in both simulated widths of the hips a distortion of objects was found on exposures with bigger cranial angle. The knee joint was not open, femural condyles were not aligned. In both, lateral and medial rotations, the anatomical structures show incorrectly, in lateral rotation fibula was projected next to the tibia, while in the medial rotation it was shown projected entirely into the tibia. Knee joint was also not opened in any rotation, condyles of femur were not aligned and the object was distorted. Discussion and conclusion: this diploma work shows the importance of correct positioning for an optimal presentation of anatomical structures. If the angle of exposure is too big the condyles of the femur are not aligned, the knee joint is not open and the x-ray is not optimal for diagnostics. The same goes for medial or lateral rotation, because if we rotate the knee too much the x-ray will be distorted, condyles will not be aligned and the knee joint will not be shown open. Other structures are also not shown correctly in a side view.
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