Sinus Lateral
Position the Patient
- Upright only (horizontal beam required)
- Side of head against IR
- Turn head only until side of skull is flat against IR
- Head straight, no rotation or tilt (MSP parallel)
- Side of head perfectly vertical (IPL perpendicular)
- Center midway between outer canthus and EAM
Words That Work
“Stand with the side of your head gently against the board—like posing for a profile picture. Look straight ahead and keep your head level without turning or tilting it. We need you upright so any fluid can settle naturally inside your sinuses and show on the image. Close your mouth, hold still, and don’t move.”
Lateral sinus positioning
Set Up the Shot
- Center here
- Central ray
- Midway between outer canthus and ear opening (EAM)
- Include this in the field
- Collimation
- Sinus region
- Set the distance
- SID
- 40"
- Check the technique
- Technique
- 70-80 kVp
- Follow facility protocols
Common Pitfalls
- •Not upright (horizontal beam required)
- •Rotation (mandibular rami not superimposed)
- •Not all sinus groups visible
Evaluate the Image
What should be visible?
- Frontal sinuses
- Ethmoid sinuses
- Maxillary sinuses
- Sphenoid sinus
Does the image pass?
- ✓Horizontal beam maintained
- ✓Superimposed orbital roofs
- ✓Superimposed mandibular rami
- ✓All sinus groups visible
- ✓No rotation or tilt