[Roentgen diagnosis in cartilagenous damage of the knee joint (author's transl)]

Double contrast arthrography of the knee will visualize the menisci as well as the cartilage of the joint. Lesions of the cartilage may be caused by direct trauma, damage or surgery of the menisci, osteochondrosis dissecans, and osteochondronecrosis. For visualization of the femoro-patellar joint tangential caudo-cranial views (the so called "Défilé" films) or "faux profil" projections should be performed. "Défilé" views will permit optimal evaluation of form and function of the femoro-patellar joint to visualize luxation, pathologic pressure pattern, and the degree of possible chondromalcia. The possibility of quantitative determination of the thickness of the cartilagenous layer is helpful for indication and planning of surgery.