Mandible Axiolateral Oblique
Position the Patient
- Upright only (horizontal beam required)
- Side of head against IR
- Start in true lateral (MSP parallel, IPL perpendicular)
- Turn head toward IR: Ramus 0° (true lateral), Body 30°, Chin/Symphysis 45°
- Lift chin slightly to keep neck out of the way
- Center angle of jaw to IR
Words That Work
“Stand or sit upright with the side of your head against the board—like posing for a profile picture. I’ll turn your head and raise your chin slightly to bring the part of your jaw we need into view without the opposite side overlapping it. Keep your shoulders still, hold that exact position, and don’t move.”
Axiolateral oblique mandible positioning
Set Up the Shot
- Center here
- Central ray
- Center at angle of jaw (gonion)
- Include this in the field
- Collimation
- Mandible
- Set the distance
- SID
- 40"
- Check the technique
- Technique
- 70-80 kVp
- Follow facility protocols
Common Pitfalls
- •Not upright (horizontal beam required)
- •Incorrect head rotation for target anatomy (ramus vs body vs symphysis)
- •Neck superimposing the mandible (chin not lifted)
Evaluate the Image
What should be visible?
- Ramus
- Body
- Symphysis
- Angle of mandible
Does the image pass?
- ✓Horizontal beam maintained
- ✓Correct rotation (0°, 30°, or 45°)
- ✓No neck superimposed
- ✓Sharp bone detail