waters and modified waters view

Question 1

What are the clinical indications for the Waters Method?

Answer 1

• Fractures (particularly tripod and Le Fort fractures),
• Neoplastic or inflammatory processes, and foreign bodies in the eye.

Question 2

How should the part be positioned for the Waters Method?

Answer 2

• Extend neck and rest chin against the table/upright imaging device surface.
• Adjust head until MML is perpendicular to the plane of IR.
• OML forms a 37° angle with the table/imaging device surface.
• Position MSP perpendicular to midline of grid or table/imaging device surface to prevent rotation or tilting of the head.

Question 2

What are the technical factors for the Waters Method?

Answer 2

Minimum SID: 40 inches (102 cm)

IR size: 18 × 24 cm (8 × 10 inches), or 24 × 30 cm (10 × 12 inches), lengthwise

Grid

Analog: 70 to 80 kV range

Digital systems: 75 to 85 kV range

Question 3

What is the patient position for the Waters Method?

Answer 3

• Remove all metallic or plastic objects from head and neck.
• The patient should be erect or prone,
• With the chin resting against the table or upright imaging device surface.

Question 4

What is the central ray (CR) alignment for the Waters Method?

Answer 4

Align CR perpendicular to IR, to exit at acanthion. Center IR to CR.

Question 5

How should collimation be applied for the Waters Method?

Answer 5

Collimate on four sides to the anatomy of interest.

Question 6

What should the respiration instructions be for the Waters Method?

Answer 6

Suspend respiration.

Question 7

What is the patient position for the Modified Waters Method?

Answer 7

• Remove all metallic or plastic objects from the head and neck.
• The patient should be erect or prone, with the chin and nose resting against the table or upright imaging device surface.

Question 8

How should the part be positioned for the Modified Waters Method?

Answer 8

• Extend neck and rest chin and nose against the table/upright imaging device surface.
• Adjust head until LML is perpendicular; OML forms a 55° angle with IR.
• Position MSP perpendicular to midline of grid or table/upright imaging device surface, ensuring no rotation or tilt of the head.

Question 9

What is the central ray (CR) alignment for the Modified Waters Method?

Answer 9

Align CR perpendicular, centered to exit at acanthion. Center IR to CR.