Skull Lateral
Position the Patient
- Upright or supine
- Body faces forward
- Slightly roll shoulders away from IR if needed to allow the side of the head to sit flat
- Turn head only until the side of the skull is flat against IR
- Head straight, no rotation or tilt (MSP parallel)
- Side of head perfectly vertical (IPL perpendicular)
- Chin slightly tucked to keep base of skull straight (IOML parallel)
- Center head to IR
Words That Work
“Rest the side of your head gently against the board—like posing for a profile picture. Look straight ahead and tuck your chin slightly while I adjust your head so it is level. Don’t let your head turn or tilt. This helps both sides of your skull line up directly over each other. Close your mouth and hold completely still.”
Lateral skull positioning
Set Up the Shot
- Center here
- Central ray
- 2" superior to ear opening (EAM)
- Include this in the field
- Collimation
- Entire skull
- Set the distance
- SID
- 40"
- Check the technique
- Technique
- 75-85 kVp
- Follow facility protocols
Common Pitfalls
- •Orbital roofs not superimposed
- •EAMs not superimposed
- •Rotation or tilt
Evaluate the Image
What should be visible?
- Cranial vault
- Sella turcica
- Orbital roofs
- Ear openings (EAMs)
- Mandibular rami
Does the image pass?
- ✓Superimposed orbital roofs
- ✓Superimposed ear openings (EAMs)
- ✓Superimposed mandibular rami
- ✓Clear, well-defined sella turcica
- ✓No rotation or tilt