X-rays use a small amount of radiation, which is generally safe, but pregnant women should inform the technician or doctor before the procedure.

The entire procedure usually takes only a few minutes.

No, the procedure is painless. However, the patient may need to remain still and hold their breath briefly while the X-ray images are being taken.

The patient is positioned in different ways: for the AP view, the knee is straight; for the LAT view, the knee is bent at a 30-45 degree angle; and for the Merchant's view, the knee is bent at about 45 degrees with the X-ray beam directed at an angle to view the patella.