Femorotibial angle on short knee radiographs fails to accurately predict the lower limb mechanical alignment. A systematic review and meta-analysis on different femorotibial angle definitions and short knee radiograph types.

Irrespective of its definition or type of SKR used, FTA lacks reliable accuracy in predicting the HKA in most knees. FLRs should be used whenever precise estimation of the patient's alignment is necessary. Caution is warranted in interpreting studies investigating knee alignment or knee arthroplasty outcomes based on FTA.