Morphological and dimensional variations of the pterygoid hamulus: A CBCT-based cross-sectional study

Variations in the morphology of the pterygoid hamulus (PH) can lead to oropharyngeal pain, prosthodontic challenges and surgical complications, yet precise in vivo evaluations are limited. Therefore, it is of interest to assess the morphometric variations of the pterygoid hamulus (PH) in the Bagalkot population using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). CBCT scans of 65 adults (46 males, 19 females; mean age 39.5 years) were retrospectively analyzed, focusing on PH dimensions and shape. Results indicated that females exhibited slightly higher mean PH length, width and angulation than males, with width showing greater variability in females. Slender morphology was predominant bilaterally, followed by triangular types in both genders. The findings advance knowledge by demonstrating the utility of CBCT for accurate PH evaluation, supporting diagnosis of hamular-related pain and aiding in prosthodontic and maxillofacial procedures.