Finding the right tests…
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Finding the right tests…
X-Ray
Two separate X-ray angles make up PNS OM /OF: an occipitomental view, angled to bring the sinuses behind your cheekbones into clear view, and an occipitofrontal view, taken face-on, which shows the sinuses near your eyebrows and between your eyes more clearly. Each angle suits a different set of sinuses, so ordering both covers more of the four sinus groups than either one alone. You are usually seated upright for both films, which lets fluid trapped in a sinus settle and show as a visible line on the image. It remains a screening pair: research on these views shows real limits picking up infection outside the cheekbone sinuses.
Two films are taken: one angled view for the sinuses behind your cheekbones, and one face-on view for the sinuses near your eyebrows and between your eyes. Together they cover more sinus groups than either view alone, though accuracy still varies by sinus, and your doctor reads both alongside your symptoms.
Different sinus groups sit at different depths and angles inside your skull, which is why a single X-ray angle cannot show all of them equally well. PNS OM /OF combines two angles to cover more ground in one visit.
This angled view is considered the standard projection for the sinuses behind your cheekbones, the maxillary sinuses, keeping overlapping bone out of the way as much as possible for that area.
This face-on view is used mainly for the sinuses near your eyebrows and between your eyes, the frontal and ethmoid sinuses, which the angled OM view does not show as clearly.
- A doctor unsure which sinus group is involved may order both views rather than guess and risk missing the affected one - Each view still carries the general limits of sinus X-rays: overlapping bone, and lower accuracy outside the cheekbone sinuses - Persistent symptoms despite two unremarkable films often lead to a CT scan next, which images all the sinuses in one pass with more detail
Ask your doctor which sinus group they are most concerned about, since that can shape how the two films are read together.
The OM, or occipitomental, view is angled to show the sinuses behind your cheekbones best. The OF, or occipitofrontal, view is face-on and shows the sinuses near your eyebrows and between your eyes better.
No single angle shows every sinus group equally well, so two views together cover more ground than either alone. Your doctor may order both when the exact sinus involved is unclear.
It improves coverage across sinus groups, but research still shows lower accuracy for sinuses outside the cheekbone area even with additional views. A CT scan remains more reliable if doubt continues.
Yes, both views are usually taken one after the other in the same sitting, each lasting only a few minutes. You do not need to book a separate appointment for the second view.
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.
Yes, sitting upright for both films lets any fluid in a sinus settle and show as a line on the image, which is harder to see lying down. The technologist positions you the same way for each view.
Not fully. It is a reasonable first screen, but a CT scan gives a more detailed and reliable picture of all the sinuses if your doctor still has concerns after the X-rays.
Each view carries its own low dose, so two views add a little more than one, though the total remains low. Ask your doctor or the centre if you want specifics.