X Ray Nasal Bone AP View

For suspected nasal bone fracture, targeted nasal-bone radiographs are used — an anteroposterior occipitomental (Waters) view plus a lateral nasal view are standard. A submentovertical (basal) or dedicated nasal series can help detect depressed or comminuted fragments. Plain films may miss subtle or complex fractures; maxillofacial CT is preferred when clinical suspicion is high or for surgical planning. These views are often performed in the emergency department.

Obtain two standard views: a true lateral and an occipitomental (Waters) projection. Remove jewelry and sit upright with the head immobilized. For the lateral, align the midsagittal plane parallel to the receptor and center the beam on the nasal bridge. For Waters, extend the neck so the mentomeatal line is perpendicular to the receptor and center at the acanthion. Use tight collimation and a small focal spot.

AP (anteroposterior) view: X‑ray beam travels from the front to the back of the patient; often used when the patient cannot stand and may slightly magnify anterior structures (e.g., heart). Lateral view: beam passes from one side to the other, producing a side profile. Together they give orthogonal images to localize pathology, assess alignment, and reduce structural overlap.

For suspected nasal-bone injury, dedicated nasal-bone radiographs (lateral and occipitomental/Waters views) are commonly used. Sinus symptoms are assessed with sinus X‑rays (Waters, Caldwell, lateral). Plain films can miss complex or intra‑orbital fractures and foreign bodies; CT scan of the facial bones is preferred for detailed assessment, surgical planning, or when plain X‑rays are inconclusive.

To confirm a nasal bone fracture, a clinician takes a history (trauma, pain, swelling, nosebleed, breathing difficulty), inspects and gently palpates for deformity, crepitus or bruising, and checks the septum for hematoma. Most fractures are diagnosed clinically; plain nasal X‑ray or facial CT is used if displacement, other facial injuries, or unclear findings. Urgent ENT review is needed for septal hematoma, severe obstruction, or major deformity.

The nasal bones are two small, paired oblong bones forming the bony bridge of the nose. They meet at the midline and articulate with the frontal bone above and the maxillae laterally. They support nasal cartilage, help protect the upper nasal cavity, are palpable at the nasal bridge, and are commonly assessed on facial X-rays or CT scans for fractures.