Skull technique can be a challanging part of radiography. Children in particular find the experience distressing and will strongly resist on occasions. The skull clamps were designed to assist the radiographer to immobolise the patient's head during skull radiography

The design was based on a similar device used at the Adelaide Women's and Childrens Hospital in Australia.

The patient is placed supine on the X-ray table. The head clamps are positioned on either side of the skull and light pressure is applied. Once the head clamps are engaged it is very difficult for the patient to move his/her head. The sponge tends to mould to the shape of the patient's skull.

The head clamps can be used passively to assist the patient to remain inthe tue AP position. Simply place the clamps next to the patient's head during the X-ray exposure.

The radiographers usethe skull clamps as a cassette holder for horizontal ray projections. When placed with the foam downwards (in contact with the X-ray table), it tends to hold in place. It is notweorthy that the heal clapms are very heavy which assists them to stay in position.

The head clamps are made of gresy PVC, lead sheet and open cell foam. Countersuk stainless steel bolts are used as fixings.