What positions should be observed when examining the knees from a side view?

When examining the knees from a side view, the appropriate positions to observe are neutral, hyperextended, or flexed. This is crucial because the side view gives insights into how the knee functions in various positions and its alignment during movement.

In a neutral position, the knee appears straight and aligned with the hip and ankle, typically indicating good function and balance in the lower limb. Hyperextension occurs when the knee extends beyond its normal range, which may suggest a lack of strength or control in the surrounding muscles. Flexed positions reveal how the knee bends, important for assessing mobility and the functionality of the flexor muscles around the joint.

Other choices like stable, flexible, or tight focus on muscle tone and stability rather than specific joint angles, which can be less informative when assessing the knee in terms of alignment and potential issues related to its structure. Observing the knee from angles such as rotated, straightened, or bent might not adequately address the essential flexion or extension positions that inform about functional movement patterns. Options focusing on collapsed, rigid, or normal positions also shift the focus from the technical angles to a general assessment of the knee's overall condition, which does not provide the necessary insight into its functional ranges.

Thus, observing the knee in