title: Visualization of the maxillary sinus and styloid processes using rotational panoramic radiography.
abstract: A technique is presented which improves visualization of the medio-lateral aspect of the maxillary sinus using rotational panoramic radiography. The method was also assessed for accuracy of styloid process projection. Using a specially constructed Perspex stand, dried skulls of varying ages were radiographed in various reproducible positions using a panoramic unit. The best medio-lateral view of the maxillary sinus of adult skulls was achieved by: (1) raising the height of the film approximately 20 mm in relation to the subject; (2) moving the subject 15-20 mm forward of the standard position for a panoramic view for adults (10-15 mm for children); and (3) tilting the occlusal plane downwards approximately 8-10 degrees. The styloid processes were readily seen using this maxillary sinus view. The resultant image of the process was elongated by a factor of 1.24 +/- 0.02 by this technique.
authors.affiliation: Oral Biology and Oral Surgery, University of Queensland.
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Monsour
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Mendoza
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D008443:Maxillary Sinus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging