Image distortion in narrow beam rotation radiography. A mathematical analysis.

A general mathematical analysis of the image distortion in narrow beam rotation radiography has been performed. Distortion effects are often evident in panoramic images exposed in clinical practice. It is found that in spite of this general experience panoramic images, exposed with the aid of a rotating narrow beam, are reliable for ordinary clinical demands when the object morphology is to be assessed. This statement is valid provided that the object has been properly positioned at the exposure.