Optic foraminal radiography--a redundant investigation?

A retrospective study of all plain radiographs taken of optic foramina during the six years 1984-9 inclusive, comprising a total of 318 examinations, was carried out in order to determine the role of this investigation in patients with ophthalmic disorders. All but one of the radiographs were reported as showing no abnormality. However, for this exception, review of the radiographs showed that the optic foramina were asymmetrical but fell within the normal range. This study indicates that plain radiographs of the optic foramina have little or no useful function. Abandoning the use of these views as a routine will result both in a reduction in radiation hazard and in considerable financial saving.