Stress views are additional X-ray projections that demonstrate indirectly the amount of joint cartilage left.

They are to be taken with the knee bent 15 degrees, the thigh supported by a thigh rest. The beam is angled parallel to the jointline, while either a valgus or varus stress is produced, either by an assistant or by the patient, using an ankle strap around a post or pulley.

Stress views for lateral OA:

The lateral compartment is obliterated at the periphery with valgus stress:

The medial compartment is preserved with varus stress:

Stress views for medial OA:

The medial compartment is obliterated with varus stress

The lateral compartment is preserved with valgus stress.