Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

What is the cause of a radiograph showing a herringbone effect?

1. Film exposure to excessive light

2. Film was placed backwards

3. Overdeveloped film

4. Incorrect film type used

The correct answer is: Film was placed backwards

The herringbone effect on a radiograph is primarily caused by the film being placed backwards in the x-ray holder. This is a distinct pattern that appears when the emulsion side of the film is facing away from the radiation source, leading to an irregular and distinct texture on the developed image resembling a herringbone pattern. In proper radiography, the film should always be placed with the emulsion side facing the radiation source to capture clear and accurate images. When the film is installed incorrectly, the radiographic quality is compromised, resulting in this characteristic appearance. Other factors, such as overexposure to light or incorrect film type, may cause other types of artifacts or image degradation but would not specifically lead to the herringbone pattern. Similarly, overdevelopment can cause darkening of the film or other types of distortion, but again, it wouldn't specifically create the herringbone effect. Understanding the proper handling and positioning of radiographic film is crucial to ensure high-quality diagnostic images and avoid such artifacts.