Otolaryngologic plain film radiography, with an emphasis on the temporal bone--how to do it. Part one

Radiologists' mastoid and sinus film reports have often not helped the otolaryngologist clinically. The trend in radiography of the temporal bone has swung almost entirely to tomograms, further de-emphasizing the importance of plain films. A review of the literature reveals that the details for taking films of high quality were worked out prior to 1930, but the equipment available was cumbersome and difficult to use. Applying the available knowledge to today's sophisticated equipment yields films of outstanding quality and gives clinical information of considerable usefulness. The objectives of this article are: 1. to review the literature on plain film otolaryngologic radiography and equipment used. 2. to present previously unpublished material on the exact technique for obtaining films of high quality. 3. to assemble for the first time all the available information on the subject in one source. 4. to present the author's modification of the Waters view for small children, and 5. to stress the clinical usefulness of office radiography in the author's practice.