Finding the right tests…
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Finding the right tests…
X-Ray
MOSTOID STAINVERS 1 tilts the X-ray beam to a specific angle, bringing the mastoid bone behind your ear, and part of the petrous temporal bone deeper in the skull, into view on one side. It is an older, simpler technique than the CT scans now used to evaluate suspected mastoid infection, and current clinical guidance on mastoiditis describes CT, not this kind of X-ray, as the imaging step used to assess the area. A doctor may still order this view as a first, low-cost look, or where CT is not immediately available. It shows the bony structure and air cell pattern on one side, not the soft tissue or fluid detail CT provides.
The film shows the mastoid air cells and part of the petrous temporal bone on one side, read for irregular or clouded air cells that can suggest infection, and for the general bone outline. It gives less soft-tissue and fluid detail than a CT scan, which your doctor may still order if the picture is unclear.
The mastoid is the bony ridge you can feel behind your ear, and inside it is a honeycomb of small air-filled spaces called mastoid air cells. The Stenvers technique tilts the X-ray beam at a specific angle so these air cells and the nearby petrous bone show up on one side without as much overlap from other skull structures.
Plain X-ray views of the mastoid, including this one, were more common before CT scanning became widely available. Current medical guidance on evaluating mastoid infection describes CT as the imaging method used to assess fluid, bone changes, and complications, and does not list plain X-ray views as a standard step. Your doctor may still order this view as an initial, lower-cost look, particularly where CT access is limited.
- It can show cloudy or irregular mastoid air cells, which may point toward infection - It can show gross bone changes such as erosion in more advanced disease - It cannot show soft tissue, pus collections, or the fine bone detail a CT scan can - A normal result does not rule out early or mild mastoid infection
Ask your doctor whether this X-ray is a first step before a possible CT, or the only imaging planned for your situation.
No. Current medical guidance points to CT as the standard way to evaluate mastoid infection, since it shows soft tissue and bone detail this X-ray cannot. This view may still be used as an initial, lower-cost look.
It refers to a specific head angle that brings the mastoid bone and nearby petrous bone into view on one side. It is a positioning technique, named after the physician who developed it, not a brand or company name.
No, this entry covers one side. If your doctor wants both mastoid bones checked, a separate exposure is taken for the other side.
Not on its own. This view shows bone and air cell pattern, not soft tissue or fluid detail, so a normal-looking film does not fully rule out infection, especially if it is mild or early.
This page is general information about the test, not medical advice. Your own report's reference ranges apply — please discuss your results with your doctor.
Reasons vary, including cost, availability, or wanting an initial look before deciding whether CT is needed. Ask your doctor what they expect this X-ray to show.
Yes, your head is tilted at a specific angle so the mastoid bone on one side is captured with less overlap from other skull structures. The technologist will position you for this.
Tell your doctor and the technologist if you are or might be pregnant before the scan. Your doctor will confirm whether the X-ray is needed now or can wait.