X Ray Mastoid Lateral View, in Visit Clinic

A mastoid lateral oblique X‑ray is a specialized skull radiograph that images the mastoid region and temporal bone. Performed with the head turned and the X‑ray beam angled obliquely, it visualizes mastoid air cells, bony septae, and external ear structures. It helps diagnose mastoiditis, chronic ear disease, cholesteatoma, or fractures. It’s quick, widely available, and uses low radiation compared with CT.

A mastoid X‑ray images the mastoid bone behind the ear and nearby air cells to detect infection, inflammation, fluid, bone erosion or fractures. It’s commonly used to evaluate mastoiditis and complications of middle ear infections or to assess chronic ear disease when CT isn’t available. The test is quick, noninvasive and uses low‑dose radiation, though CT provides greater detail.

The mastoid process is a bony prominence of the temporal bone located posterior and inferior to the external acoustic meatus (behind the ear). Its lateral surface projects outward from the skull’s lateral aspect, below the squamous part of the temporal bone and posterior to the ear canal; it contains mastoid air cells that communicate with the middle ear.

Schuller's view is an oblique radiographic projection of the temporal bone used to visualize mastoid air cells, mastoid process and middle ear structures. The head is rotated with the X‑ray beam angled to profile the mastoid; it helps detect mastoiditis, sclerosis or bony erosions. It’s quick but limited by superimposition; CT has largely replaced it for detailed temporal‑bone assessment.

A lateral X‑ray is taken at a 90° angle to the frontal (AP/PA) plane, producing a true side profile that shows anterior–posterior relationships and depth. An oblique X‑ray is taken at an intermediate angle (commonly ~45°) between frontal and lateral, revealing structures hidden by overlap on AP/PA or lateral views—useful for joints, spine, ribs, and complex anatomy.

The lateral mastoid process is the outer portion of the mastoid—a bony prominence of the temporal bone behind the ear. It is palpable under the scalp, contains air cells that communicate with the middle ear, and provides attachment for neck and posterior‑head muscles such as the sternocleidomastoid. It is clinically relevant in ear infections, trauma assessment, and surgical approaches.