Facial - Nose 

 Lateral 
Indications for imaging
Trauma

 

Anatomy  Demonstrated
Nasal bone and associated soft tissue structures.
Some centers require the maxillary spine to be visualised.


 Nose Lt Lateral Anatomy
Meschan, I. 1955 An Atlas of Normal Radiographic Anatomy Saunders, London

 

Basic Patient Position
The patient sits erect facing the erect film, the head is then turned so that the side of the face is in contact with the bucky, median saggital plane parallel to the film and interpupillary line parallel to the floor. This position requires the patient to sit upright as close as possible to the bucky.


Nose Lt. Lateral Patient Position
Based on Movin & Karlsson 1975 Skeletal projections for Diagnostic Radiology Lippincott  

 
Radiation protection
Direct lead rubber thyroid protection advisable.

 
Central Ray
The horizontal central ray is centered to 4cm below the nasion
(Note if the maxillary spine is not included center 2cm below the nasion)

 
Exposure Factors
Kv mAS FFD (cm) Grid Focus AEC Cassette
55 2 100 No Fine No 18 x 24 cm

 
Evaluation of the Image
 ID and anatomical markers must be present and correct in the appropriate area of the film.
Optimal exposure should penetrate all the bone structures and contrast should be low enough to visualise fully the bone and soft tissue structures.
*Some centers require the maxillary spine to be included.
Limits of the examination*. superiorly the nasion, inferiorly the maxillary spine, anteriorly the tip of the nasal soft tissues.
The nasal bone should be projected in a true lateral position.



 Nose Lt. Lateral Radiograph
Related Projections
Facial Bones OM
Facial Bones Lateral
Infero superior using an occlusal film.

 
Additional modalities