Skull Radiographic Views and Anatomy

Question 1

List the main types of full skull radiographs.

Answer 1

Occipitomental

Postero-anterior mandible

Reverse Towne’s

True lateral skull (Very similar to lateral cephalogram except positioning not standardized with a cephalostat)

Question 2

What type of radiograph is this, and what are they typically used for?

Answer 2

Occipitomental radiograph

Shows facial skeleton, avoiding superimposition of the skull base.

Mainly used for middle third facial fractures (including coronoid process fractures).

Question 3

What degrees of angulation are occipitomental radiographs usually taken at?

Answer 3

O, 10, 30, or 40 degrees.

Question 4

How should a patient be positioned for an occipitomental radiograph?

Answer 4

Head tipped so that orbitomeatal line is at 45 degrees to receptor. Beam can then be adjusted for desired angulation.

Question 5

Identify the landmarks shown in this radiograph, in descending order.

Answer 5

Frontal sinus
Orbital rim
Zygomatic bone/arch
Infraorbital foramen
Maxillary sinus
Coronoid process
Mandible
Dens of C2

Question 6

Identify the radiograph shown below. When would a radiograph such as this be indicated?

Answer 6

Postero-anterior mandible radiograph

Lesions and fractures involving the post. third of body, angles, rami, and lower condylar necks.

Also used for assessing mandibular hypo/hyperplasia, and maxillofacial deformities.

Question 7

Identify the landmarks shown in this radiograph, in descending order from right to left.

Answer 7

Posterior mandible
Nasal septum
Maxillary sinus
Mastoid process
Dens of C2
Cervical spine

Question 8

Identify this type of radiograph. When is a radiograph of this type indicated?

Answer 8

Reverse Townes Radiograph

Indicated for high fractures of condylar necks
Intracapsular fractures of TMJ
Condylar hypo/hyperplasia

Question 9

How should a patient be positioned for a reverse Townes radiograph?

Answer 9

Orbitomeatal line perpendicular to receptor

Mouth open to move condylar heads out of glenoid fossa

X-ray beam 30 degrees below perpendicular line to receptor, centered through condyles.

Question 10

Identify this type of facial fracture.

Answer 10

Le Fort I fracture.

Question 11

Identify this type of facial fracture.

Answer 11

Le Fort II fracture.

Question 12

Identify this type of facial fracture.

Answer 12

Le Fort III fracture.

Question 13

Identify this type of facial fracture,

Answer 13

Orbital blow out fracture