What Is Open Mouth View Xray?


An open mouth view xray is a special view to visualize upper cervical spine problems. In routine an anteroposterior cervical spine view shows the spine from  C3  segment and is  usually less helpful in diagnosing acute injuries.

The open mouth view is essential for excluding a C1 arch or odontoid process fracture. Odontoid process is part of second cervical vertebra that projects upward to articulate with C1 vertebra.

This view is also called Odontoid view.

It is a very useful view in traumatic injuries of upper cervical spine.

How This View Is Taken

The position is same as for an anteroposterior view. In supine position the patient has to open her mouth widely and xray beam is projected through the open mouth.


It is important that patient opens the mouth as widely as possible to visualize the structures properly. Otherwise the structures may get obscured by jaw bones and teeth.

What Is Looked For?

  • Anatomy of C1-C2 vertebrae
  • Dens or Odontoid process
  • Lateral masses of C1 vertebra
  • Malalignment or fracture of vertebra

How Does Normal Xray Look Like

open-mouth-view

Image Credit: KMLIAU

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  3. Radioimaging In Spine Injuries – Xray, CT, MRI
  4. Open Severely Comminuted Fracture Tibia and Fibula
  5. Dislocation of C6-C7 Vertebra – Xray

About Dr Arun Pal Singh
Dr Arun Pal Singh is an orthopedic and trauma surgeon, founder and chief editor of this website. He manages this website along with his brother and cofounder, Dr Ajay Pal Singh. You can help this website grow by considering donation or contribution in form of articles or images. Please use contact form for either purpose.

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  1. [...] visualization of the upper cervical spine requires either an open-mouth odontoid view. Normally symmetrical  articulating occipital condyles, C-1 lateral masses, and C-2 superior [...]

  2. [...] open mouth view may reveal wink sign. The wink sign is caused due to over riding of C1-2 joint on one side ans [...]

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