Which radiographic views are necessary for patellar fracture evaluation?

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

Answer: (C)

When evaluating a suspected patellar fracture, you need views that show the bone from multiple angles to understand both the articular surface and how the fragment is positioned in three dimensions. The AP view gives a general frontal image of the knee and places the patella in relation to the femur, helping assess overall alignment. The lateral view shows displacement in the sagittal plane and how the patella sits with respect to the extensor mechanism and fracture fragments. The sunrise (axial tangential) view directly images the patellofemoral articular surface and any fracture lines or tilt that may be hidden on the other views.

Using all three views allows you to define the fracture pattern, quantify displacement, evaluate articular involvement, and assess patellar tilt or comminution—information essential for management decisions. Relying on only one or two views can miss important details, such as an articular fracture line or subtle displacement, which the full set helps reveal.