What is X-RAY SKULL AP?
The skull anteroposterior (AP) view is a non-angled radiograph of the skull. This view provides an overview of the entire skull rather than attempting to highlight any one region.
Indications
This examination is able to assess for medial and lateral displacements of skull fractures, in addition to neoplastic changes and Paget disease.
Note: As this view results in a higher radiation dose to the radiosensitive lens of the eyes compared to the PA view, it should only be used in situations where the patient is unable to face the detector, like in trauma settings and patients with poor mobility.
Patient position
the back of patient's head is placed against the image detector
Technical factors
- Anteroposterior projection
- Centering point
- the central ray is centered at the nasion
- Collimation
- laterally to include soft tissue
- superiorly soft tissue
- Orientation
- Detector Size
- Exposure
- SID
- Grid
What is X-RAY SKULL LAT?
The skull lateral view is a non-angled lateral radiograph of the skull. This view provides an overview of the entire skull rather than attempting to highlight any one region.
Indications
This projection is used to evaluate for skull fractures, in addition to neoplastic changes and Paget disease. In the trauma setting, a horizontal beam lateral projection may demonstrate air-fluid levels in the sphenoid sinus 1, an indication of basal skull fracture.
Patient position
- the sagittal midline of the patient's head is parallel to the image detector
- sella turcica in profile
- temporomandibular joints are superimposed
Technical factors
- Lateral projection
- Centering point
- the beam travels laterally, with 0° of angulation, through a point ~4 cm above the external auditory meatus
- Collimation
- superiorly to include skin margins
- inferiorly to include base of skull
- anteriorly to include frontal bone
- posteriorly to the skin margins
- Orientation
- Detector Size
- Exposure
- SID
- Grid
