Course Description
Historically, digital radiographic images of the facial bones and related anatomical structures are performed when it is necessary for a clinician to view and assess these regions after a patient sustains trauma to the face or to examine a possible pathology. Prior to the advent of computed tomography (CT), routine facial bone digital radiography (DR) was the mainstay of most emergency department protocols until the early-to-mid-1980s. Today, it is still essential for radiologic technologists (RTs) to be able to perform various projections and views of this area in order to assist clinicians with diagnosis when the need arises. To that end, this course will discuss facial bone DR, patient injury and possibly pathologies, and provide a detailed review of the anatomical regions that make up the facial bones, specifically the nasal bones, mandible, orbits and zygomatic arches. Detailed information for patient, central ray, and image receptor angling and positioning will also be provided as well as the anatomy that's best depicted in each image/view, and image quality criteria the nasal bones, mandible, orbital bones, and zygomatic arches. Instructional videos will review the anatomical landmarks, body planes, and positioning lines, for proper positioning for this DR series. These videos will also include image reviews, analyzation, and correction strategies in order to obtain high-quality DR images of the Caldwell, Waters, and lateral DR views.

Learning Objectives
After reviewing the content, the participant should be able to:

• IDENTIFY the anatomy of the facial bones and surrounding structures.
• EXPLAIN the clinical criteria for performing facial bone digital radiography (DR).
• SUMMARIZE the standard and specialty radiographic projections/views of the facial bones.
• DEFINE and SUMMARIZE the types of fractures and other common pathologies that can affect the facial bones.
• OUTLINE the components of a DR imaging system and the associated accessories that are used to perform high-quality imaging studies of the facial bones.
• REVIEW patient positioning techniques of facial bone DR.
• EVALUATE facial bone DR images for quality and EXPLAIN how patient positioning and exposure factors can be improved.

 

Categories: Digital Radiography; X-Ray/Radiography/Fluoroscopy

In order to receive CE credit, you must first complete the activity content. When completed, go to the "Take CE Test!" link to access the post-test.

Submit the completed answers to determine if you have passed the post-test assessment. You must answer 35 out of 46 questions correctly to receive CE credit. You will have no more than 3 attempts to successfully complete the post-test.

Participants successfully completing the activity content and passing the post-test will receive 5.75 ARRT Category A credits.

Approved by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists for ARRT Category A credit.

Approved by the state of Florida for ARRT Category A credit (for Technical Development credits). 

Texas direct credit.

This activity may be available in multiple formats or from different sponsors. ARRT does not allow CE activities such as Internet courses, home study programs, or directed readings to be repeated for CE credit in the same biennium.

Category	Content Area	Credits
Computed Tomography	Procedures	0.25
Radiography	Image Production	1
Radiography	Procedures	4.75
Radiologist Assistant	Procedures	2

Category	Subcategory	Credits
Computed Tomography	Head, Spine and Musculoskeletal	0.25
Radiography	Equipment Operation and Quality Assurance	0.25
Radiography	Head, Spine and Pelvis Procedures	4.75
Radiography	Image Acquisition and Evaluation	0.75
Radiologist Assistant	Musculoskeletal and Endocrine Sections	2

Category	Credits
Digital	4
Fluoroscopy	0
Mammography	0