Position the patient upright with the head in a true lateral: Frankfurt horizontal plane parallel to the floor and the midsagittal plane perpendicular to the receptor. Place the affected side closest to the image receptor. Instruct closed‑mouth (and open‑mouth if required) exposures. Center the condylar head on the receptor and direct the central ray perpendicular to the receptor through the TMJ region.

Plain X‑rays (panoramic or transcranial) can show the bony components of the temporomandibular joint—fractures, arthritis, bone erosion or joint space changes—but they do not reveal the articular disc or soft tissues. For detailed bone anatomy, CT or cone‑beam CT is preferred; MRI is the best test to visualize the disc, joint effusion, and soft‑tissue pathology.

The transcranial (lateral oblique) projection—often called the Schüller or lateral transcranial view—is commonly used to visualize the temporomandibular joint space (TMJS). Radiographs are typically taken in both closed- and open‑mouth positions to assess condylar position, joint space and disk displacement. Plain radiography is often first-line, but MRI is preferred for detailed soft‑tissue assessment.

The lateral aspect of the temporomandibular joint is the outer side of the joint where the temporomandibular (lateral) ligament and the lateral part of the fibrous capsule reinforce the joint. It is covered externally by the masseter muscle and crossed by the auriculotemporal nerve and superficial temporal vessels. This lateral reinforcement stabilizes the joint and limits excessive lateral and posterior displacement.

Common radiographic views for TMJ include panoramic (orthopantomogram), transcranial (Schuller) and transpharyngeal views, Towne (AP axial) and lateral oblique projections. Functional open‑and‑closed‑mouth views or tomography assess condylar translation. These plain‑film projections evaluate bony morphology; advanced imaging (CT or MRI) is used for detailed osseous or soft‑tissue assessment. Occasionally submental‑vertex and oblique tangential views are obtained.

Place the patient so the affected side contacts the image receptor (standing, sitting, or decubitus), ensuring a true lateral with bilateral anatomy superimposed. Center the x‑ray beam perpendicular to the IR at the area of interest. Immobilize and instruct the patient to hold breath for chest/abdomen films. Collimate to the region, use appropriate exposure settings and lead shielding, and confirm positioning before exposure.