Pterygoid hamulus elongation syndrome

Pain in the soft palate and pharynx can originate from numerous related anatomical structures. Therefore, the diagnosis of patients who complain of pain in these areas is also difficult and challenging. One of the anatomic disorders that causes pain and discomfort in this region is pterygoid hamulus elongation syndrome.

We report a rare case of pterygoid hamulus elongation with persistent sharp localized pain in the hamular region radiating to the temporal area for four years that was treated successfully by surgical resection of elongated hamulus.

Pterygoid Hamulus elongation syndrome is a unique disease presenting many symptoms in the palatal and pharyngeal areas. May caused by injury, infection, or a pre-existing condition. The diagnosis of hamular elongation should be based on detailed history, clinical examination, and correlation with radiographic imaging.

Due to the rarity, PHE syndrome should be diagnosed accurately. Management of hamular elongation is either surgical or conservative but resection of the pterygoid hamulus is usually preferred.