Waters' view

Waters' view (also known as the occipitomental view or parietoacanthial projection) is a radiographic view of the skull. It is commonly used to get a better view of the maxillary sinuses. An x-ray beam is angled at 45° to the orbitomeatal line. The rays pass from behind the head and are perpendicular to the radiographic plate. Another variation of the waters places the orbitomeatal line at a 37° angle to the image receptor. It is named after the American radiologist Charles Alexander Waters.

Structures observed
Waters' view can be used to best visualise a number of structures in the skull. The frontal sinus may not show the frontal sinus in detail.
 * Maxillary sinuses.
 * Frontal sinuses, seen with an oblique view.
 * Ethmoidal cells.
 * Sphenoid sinus, seen through the open mouth.
 * Odontoid process, where if it is just below the mentum, it confirms adequate extension of the head.

Procedure
Typically, the x-ray beam is angled at 45° to the orbitomeatal line. Another variation of the waters places the orbitomeatal line at a 37° angle to the image receptor, or 30°.

History
Waters' view is named after the American radiologist Charles Alexander Waters. It is also known as the occipitomental view.