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.
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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
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centering point
- the beam travels laterally, with 0° of angulation, through a point ~4 cm above the external auditory meatus
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collimation
- superiorly to include skin margins
- inferiorly to include base of skull
- anteriorly to include frontal bone
- posteriorly to the skin margins
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orientation
- landscape
-
detector size
- 24 cm x 30 cm
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exposure
- 60-70 kVp
- 10-20 mAs
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SID
- 100 cm
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grid
- no
Image technical evaluation
- the sagittal midline of the patient's head is parallel to the image detector
- sella turcica in profile
- temporomandibular joints are superimposed
Practical points
- remove earrings, glasses, hairclips, hearing aids and dentures to avoid artifact obscuring important pathology