A screening method for knee trauma.

Results. Fifty-three of the 214 patients (24.8%) had a knee fracture. The sensitivity of the single lateral view in the detection of knee fractures was 100% (95% confidence interval [CI] 94.3, 100). The lateral view of the traumatized knee was normal in 143 patients (66.8%). The probability of not having a fracture if the lateral view was normal (NPV) was also 100% (95% CI 97.9, 100). The need for additional radiographs was reduced 67%. Conclusion. A single lateral view as a screening tool for knee fractures has a very high sensitivity and NPV. Because more than 65% of the patients had a normal lateral view in this study, there can be a considerable amount of savings in terms of radiology services for these patients. Key Word. Knee, fractures.