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A knee X-ray shows the bones of your knee joint and kneecap. It is used for injuries and is the main test for knee osteoarthritis.
Also called: Knee radiograph, Weight-bearing knee X-ray, Kneecap X-ray, Skyline view
Find a clinic for your knee X-ray
100 clinics offer bulk billing for X-ray — eligibility varies
Where to get a knee X-ray
101 clinics across Melbourne and Victoria on Radly offer X-ray.
Clinics for a knee X-ray on Radly
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What is a knee X-ray?
A knee X-ray shows the lower end of the thigh bone, the top of the shin bone and the kneecap. The gap between the bones reflects the cartilage thickness, so narrowing is a sign of arthritis.
Views often include a front and side view. For arthritis, the front view is usually taken standing so your body weight shows the true joint space. A skyline view, taken with your knee bent, looks at how the kneecap sits in its groove.
Ligaments, menisci and cartilage don't show on X-ray. For a suspected ACL or meniscus tear, your doctor will usually request a knee MRI.
Why your doctor might request a knee X-ray
- Knee pain, swelling or stiffness, especially with age
- Assessing osteoarthritis or planning a knee replacement
- Checking for a fracture after a fall or sports injury
- Kneecap pain or dislocation
- Follow-up after knee surgery
Knee X-ray: preparation, referral & Medicare
Preparing for your knee X-ray
- No special preparation is needed.
- Wear shorts or loose pants that roll up easily, or change into a gown.
- Tell the radiographer if you are or might be pregnant.
- Let the radiographer know if standing is difficult.
How long it takes: About 10–15 minutes
Referral, Medicare & bulk billing
A knee X-ray needs a referral from a GP, specialist or eligible allied health practitioner, such as a physiotherapist, for a Medicare rebate. Many clinics bulk bill X-rays for eligible patients; the clinic confirms billing for your situation. Sports injuries from work or road accidents may be covered by WorkCover or TAC.
How it works
Get your referral
Most scans need a referral from your GP, specialist, or other health practitioner.
Compare clinics
Find clinics near you for your knee X-ray and compare bulk billing, reviews, and location.
Send your request
Share your preferred timing and send the clinic your details and referral when available.
Clinic confirms
The clinic reviews your request and confirms your appointment and any preparation needed.
If the clinic hasn’t acknowledged your request after 24 hours, Radly will follow up. We check in by SMS during daytime hours where SMS is available and you haven’t opted out. Reply N if you haven’t been contacted and our team will follow up. Acknowledgment does not mean an appointment is booked.
Knee X-ray FAQs
Will a knee X-ray show a torn ligament?
No. Ligaments such as the ACL don't show on X-ray. An MRI is the usual test for ligament and meniscus tears.
Why do I have to stand for my knee X-ray?
Standing shows how much space is left in the joint under your body weight, which gives a more accurate picture of arthritis.
Do I need an X-ray before a knee MRI?
Often doctors request an X-ray first to check the bones and arthritis. Whether you need both depends on your symptoms.
How do I book a knee X-ray online?
Choose a clinic on Radly, select X-Ray as your scan, add your preferred timing and attach your referral, then send your booking request. The clinic contacts you to confirm the appointment and any preparation.
How soon can I get a knee X-ray?
Appointments for X-ray are walk-in or same day at most clinics, depending on the clinic and the exam. You can send a request on Radly at any time, and the clinic replies with its next available time.
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