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. [...] What Is Open Mouth View Xray? | Bone and SpineThe modified odontoid view: an alternative visualization of the atlantoaxial joint. Turns JE, Shaffer MA, Doris PE. The sensitivity of the cross table lateral view … [...]