Question

A patient has a possible fractured ramus of the mandible, what projection routine would best demonstrate this?

a. AP axial mandible
b. PA axial mandible
c. Lateral oblique mandible
d. PA axial oblique mandible

Answer 1

The PA axial mandible projection routine is most suitable for demonstrating a possible fractured ramus of the mandible. It provides a clear view of important mandibular landmarks, including the coronoid process and the condylar process.

Step-by-step explanation:

To best demonstrate a possible fractured ramus of the mandible, the projection routine that would be most suitable is a PA axial mandible (b) radiograph. This view allows for a clear image of the mandibular ramus, which includes both the coronoid process of the mandible, a flattened upward projection from the anterior margin of the mandibular ramus, and the condylar process of the mandible, a thickened upward projection from the posterior margin. The detailed anatomy, as referenced in Figure 7.15, shows that the mandible is the only moveable bone of the skull and has several important landmarks, including the coronoid and condylar processes which play a role in the movement of the jaw and are critical structures to examine when assessing for fractures.