TMJ Axiolateral Oblique

• Temporomandibular joint space.
• Mandibular condyle without cervical overlap.
• Articular fossa of temporal bone.
• Articular eminence clearly outlined.
• Condyle-fossa relationship in closed-mouth position.
• Condylar movement in open-mouth variant.

• Verify patient identity.
• Remove glasses, earrings, dentures, hairpins.
• Position patient upright or prone with affected side toward IR.
• Rotate head 15 degrees anteriorly from true lateral position.
• Adjust IOML parallel to long axis of IR.
• Closed-mouth position: teeth gently clenched.
• Open-mouth position: open ~1 inch; suspend respiration.

TMJ articulation. Head rotated 15 degrees from true lateral.

CR angled 15° caudad, horizontal to IR.

kVp

70–80

mAs

12–20

SID

40" (102 cm)

Notes

CR angle 15 degrees caudad. Head rotation 15 degrees for oblique.

• Joint space clearly visualized without cervical spine overlap.
• Condyle centered in articular fossa.
• Mandibular condyle and temporal articular surface outlined.
• No superimposition by cervical vertebrae.
• Detail of condylar process and articular surfaces.
• Entire TMJ area on IR with minimal surrounding anatomy.

1. 1 CR not angled 15 degrees: improper foreshortening.
2. 2 Head not rotated 15 degrees: cervical spine overlaps TMJ.
3. 3 Rotation: TMJ not centered in image.
4. 4 Tilt: condyle appears elongated or shortened.
5. 5 Mouth not positioned correctly: inconsistent functional views.

• TMJ dysfunction with cervical spine pathology.
• Condylar fracture evaluation with unobstructed view.
• TMJ arthritis assessment without vertebral overlap.
• TMJ functional evaluation: closed vs. open mouth.
• Pre- or post-operative TMJ follow-up.