Radiographic Anatomy of the Paranasal Sinuses: II. Lateral View

FOR THE otolaryngologist and the maxillofacial surgeon, the lateral projection of the skull is an important aid in the evaluation of the sinuses and facial bones. This view is recognized chiefly for evaluation of the frontal and sphenoid sinuses. Each of the projections described in this series, namely the Waters', Caldwell, submentovertical, and lateral views has its distinct advantages and disadvantages. In the lateral projection, shadows of the opposing sinuses and other bony and soft tissue structures are unwantedly superimposed making the diagnosis of unilateral sinus disease difficult. Yet, a careful study of this view provides such valuable information as the depth of the frontal sinuses, the thickness of the outer table of the frontal bone, the extent of the sphenoid sinus pneumatization, the clarity of the ethmoid cell walls, and the general size and contour of the maxillary sinuses and the soft tissue structures in the nasopharynx.¹⁻³ During