What causes cone cutting in radiography?

Cone cutting occurs in radiography when the X-ray beam does not cover the entire film or digital sensor, leaving an unexposed area. This primarily results from improper aiming of the X-ray tube, where the central ray is not directed at the center of the film or sensor. When the central ray is misaligned, it creates a situation where part of the film is exposed, while the area not covered remains white or unexposed, leading to a characteristic "cone cut" appearance.

The correct alignment is crucial for capturing the entire image without any missing areas, as it ensures that the full field of view is utilized. Proper technique requires the operator to carefully align the X-ray source with the center of the receptor to achieve a complete image.