A comparative study of two methods for obtaining the anteroposterior open mouth cervical view.
OBJECTIVE
To compare two methods of obtaining the anteroposterior (AP) open mouth view.


METHODS
Radiological evaluation of the occiput-C1/C1-C2 structures, as visualized on radiographs obtained using two different radiographic position set-ups.


METHODS
The Anglo-European College of Chiropractic Clinic.


METHODS
A total of 60 patients. Each method used on 30 patients. CRITERIA ASSESSED: Visualization of: (a) occiput-C1 joints, (b) atlantoaxial joints, (c) lateral masses C1 and (d) odontoid process.


RESULTS
The visualization of the occiput-C1 joints was increased almost 100% using method 2. The atlantoaxial joints were seen in 7% more cases using method 2 and the lateral masses were seen in 10% more cases. The only structure seen more consistently using method 1 was the odontoid process, which was seen in 7% more cases using that method.


CONCLUSIONS
This study shows that there is an easier and more consistent method of obtaining the AP open mouth view than that traditionally used in many institutions.
Wylie
J
J
Anglo-European College of Chiropractic, Bournemouth, Dorset, England.
D001268:Atlanto-Axial Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009055:Mouth; D009809:Odontoid Process / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011859:Radiography; D011871:Radiology / Q000379:methods