Facial Bones Lateral is a radiography positioning projection of the Skull. True lateral facial skeleton. SID 40". CR perpendicular to IR. The centering point is located 1" (2.5 cm) anterior to eam, at zygoma level. mid-sagittal plane parallel to ir.. The central ray is horizontal, perpendicular to ir. centered to a point 1" anterior to the eam.. Image-quality criteria include zygomatic arch visualized in profile without overlap., nasal bones clearly outlined in profile.. Standard exposure ranges from 70 to 80 kVp, 15 to 25 mAs, at an SID of 40 inches (102 cm).
Anatomy demonstrated
- Zygomatic arch in profile, frontal and temporal processes.
- Nasal bones, nasal septum, and piriform aperture.
- Orbital rim, orbital cavity, and greater wing of sphenoid.
- Maxilla, maxillary process, and alveolar process.
- Anterior nasal spine and pyriform fossa.
- Vomer and perpendicular plate of ethmoid.
Patient preparation
- Verify patient identity.
- Remove glasses, earrings, hairpins, dentures.
- Position patient prone or upright with affected side against IR.
- Align mid-sagittal plane parallel to IR; interpupillary line perpendicular.
- IOML (infraorbitomeatal line) parallel to long axis of IR.
- Suspend respiration during exposure.
Position & centering point
1" (2.5 cm) anterior to EAM, at zygoma level. Mid-sagittal plane parallel to IR.
Central ray
Horizontal, perpendicular to IR. Centered to a point 1" anterior to the EAM.
Exposure / technique
- kVp
- 70–80
- mAs
- 15–25
- SID
- 40" (102 cm)
- Notes
- Use small focal spot for sharper detail of facial bones.
Image-quality criteria
- Zygomatic arch visualized in profile without overlap.
- Nasal bones clearly outlined in profile.
- Orbital cavity and orbital rim visible.
- Maxillary outline demonstrated without asymmetry.
- Frontal and zygomatic processes superimposed (no rotation).
- Entire facial skeleton centered on IR with margin.
Common errors / ARRT traps
- 1 Rotation: zygomatic processes not superimposed.
- 2 Tilt: orbital rims appear at different levels.
- 3 IOML not parallel to long axis of IR: geometric distortion.
- 4 CR not at zygoma level: facial anatomy off-center.
- 5 Patient leaning: mid-sagittal plane not parallel to IR.
Clinical indications
- Evaluation of zygomatic arch for fractures.
- Nasal bone fracture assessment.
- Maxillary sinus disease evaluation.
- Orbital cavity trauma or pathology.
- Pre- or post-operative facial follow-up.
Aligned to the 2025 ARRT Content Specifications.