Sinus PA
Position the Patient
- Upright only (horizontal beam required)
- Head straight, no rotation or tilt
- (MSP perpendicular)
- Forehead and nose firmly against IR (OML perpendicular)
- Center nasion to IR
Words That Work
“Stand facing the board and gently place your forehead and nose against it. Keep your head straight without turning or tilting while I adjust your chin. We need you upright so any fluid can settle naturally inside your sinuses and show clearly on the image. Close your mouth, hold still, and don’t move.”
PA sinus positioning
Set Up the Shot
- Center here
- Central ray
- Exit at nasion
- 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 for air-fluid levels)
- •Rotation or tilt
- •Petrous ridges not below frontal sinuses
Evaluate the Image
What should be visible?
- Frontal sinuses
- Ethmoid sinuses
- Petrous ridges below frontal sinuses
Does the image pass?
- ✓Horizontal beam maintained
- ✓No rotation or tilt
- ✓Petrous ridges below frontal sinuses
- ✓Sharp sinus detail