X-Ray Mastoids (Obl View) Test

The temporal bone of the skull located behind the ear is known as the mastoid. This bone contains open spaces which have air. This area is affected by a disease called Mastoiditis when there is an infection in the middle ear. The oblique view X-ray test scans the mastoid bone from a lateral angle. Like a usual X-ray test, low radio waves are passed through the ear and lower head portion. The waves scan the internal condition of the area and produce an image onto the computer screen. You are required to remain still during the process of scanning.

Before the x-ray process, you would be required to take off any jewellery or metal objects in and around the area which is being scanned. The doctor will suggest you any other changes if your medical condition requires so. The process only scans a part of your upper body. Therefore, no special preparations are needed as such. Talk to your healthcare practitioner regarding the medication you are on. He/she will ask you to avoid any medicines that can cause false results.

• Distinguishing whether the mastoids are cellular or acellular
• Determining the width of the cortical bone
• Projecting the symmetry of both the mastoids
• Detecting whether the mastoid cavity is preserved or not
• Informing about the formation of cholesteatoma.

The process for the X-ray oblique view only requires the participation of your upper body. The doctor will inject a dye into the area below the infected ear. This will help in distinguishing the tissues and nerves clearly. The doctor will ask you to stand or sit in front of a large camera. The x-ray beams are launched from the angle of 30 degrees laterally. Any movement is strictly prohibited so as to get as clear an image as possible.