LATERAL SKULL PROJECTION
Skull Profile • Sagittal View • Evaluation of Sella Turcica and Cranial Structures
Exposure Factors
Equipment: With Bucky. Positions: Erect, semi-prone, or oblique.
Plate Size and Orientation
Orientation: Plate in crosswise (landscape) position to include complete skull
Visible Anatomical Structures
Frontal Bone
Complete frontal region
Occipital Bone
Skull base
Sella Turcica
Dorsum and floor
Clinoid Processes
Anterior and posterior
- Squamous portion - Parietal and temporal bones
- Cranial sutures - Sagittal, lambdoid, squamous
- Frontal and sphenoid sinuses - Sinus cavities
- Diploe - Spongy cranial bone
- Foramen magnum - When included
- Mastoid processes - Mastoid landmarks
Anatomical Reference Planes
CP - Coronal Plane
Passes through the EAM, aligned with the midline of the IR
MCP - Mid-Coronal Plane
Perpendicular to the table/Bucky
MSP - Mid-Sagittal Plane
Parallel to the plane of the IR
IOML - Infraorbitomeatal Line
Parallel to the transverse axis of the IR
Specific Centering Point
The central ray is centered 5 cm above the External Auditory Meatus
Reference: From the EAM upwards, midline of the IR
Patient Positioning
Central Ray Direction
Perpendicular to the IR
Entrance point: 5 cm above the EAM of the opposite side
Exit point: 5 cm above the EAM of the supported side
Centering: IR centered with the central ray
Patient Instructions
"Hold your breath during the exposure"
Maintain complete immobility - Do not move head during exposure
Sella Turcica Evaluation
Normal Measurements
Length: 5-16 mm
Depth: 4-12 mm
Area: 30-130 mm²
Pathological Signs
Clinoid erosion
Increased size
Double floor of the sella
Technical Considerations
Symmetry
Ensure that inion-acanthion and inion-nasion are equidistant.
Rotation
Avoid rotation: MSP parallel to the IR, IPL perpendicular.
Key Structures
Focus on clear visualization of the sella turcica and clinoids.