CALDWELL PROJECTION
Cranial Bones • Fronto-occipital • Facial and Orbital Structure Evaluation
Demonstrated Pathology
Fractures and alterations of facial bones:
- Orbital fractures
- Nasal bone fractures
- Zygomatic fractures (cheekbones)
- Frontal bone fractures
- Paranasal sinus alterations
Exposure Factors
Equipment: With bucky. Position: Erect or prone.
Plate Size
Visible Anatomical Structures
- Superior and inferior orbital borders - Orbital contours
- Upper and lower maxillae - Dental arches
- Nasal septum - Nasal midline
- Zygomatic bones - Complete cheekbones
- Anterior nasal spine - Nasal projection
- Frontal and maxillary sinuses - Sinus cavities
- Orbital cavities - Eye sockets
Patient Positioning
Central Ray Direction
Caudal angulation of 15°
Central ray emerges at the nasion (frontonasal junction)
Entry point: Nasion (between eyebrows)
Exit point: Cassette center
Patient Instructions
"Hold your breath during exposure"
Maintain complete immobility for 1-2 seconds
Technical Considerations
Facial Trauma
In trauma, assess nasal bleeding before prone position.
Image Quality
Symmetric orbits, clear frontal sinuses, no rotation.
Dental Structures
Evaluate tooth-maxillary sinus relationship.
Caldwell vs Waters
CALDWELL
Angulation: 15° caudal
Exit point: Nasion
Best visualizes: Frontal sinuses, orbits
WATERS
Angulation: 37° caudal
Exit point: Mouth
Best visualizes: Maxillary sinuses