Radiographic Positioning of the Zygomatic Arch

The zygomatic arch (cheekbone) is composed of the temporal bone’s zygomatic process and the zygomatic bone’s temporal process, which is joined by an oblique suture, namely zygomaticotemporal suture. Fractures of the zygoma region can occur with head trauma. In fact, the zygomatic arch is one of the most commonly fractured facial bones, typically following altercations in which the patient is punched in the face. Most zygomatic fractures are followed by a sensory abnormality, either hypoesthesia or anesthesia, in one or more branches of the infraorbital nerve. Radiographic confirmation of zygomatic arch fractures allows early stabilization with better anatomic function and cosmetic results.

zygomatic arch

Radiography of the Mastoid Process

Skull showing location of mastoid bone marked in red

Getting an order for mastoids is rare these days. But it still happens occasionally, and when it does don’t be ashamed to pull out your Merril’s. Tissue thickness, superimposing shadows, and awkward patient positioning make the mastoid process a difficult body part to radiograph.

Radiography of the Sella Turcica

Location of the sella turcica in the skull — Sella Turcica Location in the Skull

The sella turcica (also called the hypophyseal fossa or pituitary fossa) is a midline saddle-shaped depression in the sphenoid bone that is lined by the dura mater. Although it is a relatively small area, it is an extremely valuable piece of real estate in the brain because it forms the bony seat for the pituitary gland which it houses and partially encloses. One of the main reasons for imaging the sella turcica is that it is a window to the pituitary, a pea-sized gland that is often called the master endocrine gland because of the major role it plays in regulating vital body functions. Sellar components are easily demonstrated by several radiographic planes and angles. Radiology techs need to be aware of the anatomy of this region as well as correct radiographic angles and patient positioning techniques to demonstrate the sella turcica and surrounding structures accurately.