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

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Radiology
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Background:

• Pterygoid hamulus (PH) morphology variations can cause oropharyngeal pain, dental issues, and surgical complications.
• Precise *in vivo* evaluations of pterygoid hamulus morphology are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the morphometric variations of the pterygoid hamulus (PH) in the Bagalkot population.
• To evaluate the utility of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) for precise pterygoid hamulus (PH) evaluation.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 65 adult Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scans (46 males, 19 females).
• Focus on pterygoid hamulus (PH) dimensions (length, width) and angulation.
• Morphological classification (slender, triangular).

Main Results:

• Females exhibited slightly higher mean PH length, width, and angulation than males.
• PH width showed greater variability in females compared to males.
• Slender morphology was the predominant type bilaterally, followed by triangular types in both genders.

Conclusions:

• CBCT is a valuable tool for accurate pterygoid hamulus (PH) evaluation.
• Findings support the diagnosis of hamular-related pain.
• Results aid in planning prosthodontic and maxillofacial procedures.