Morphological Characterization of the Pterygoid Hamulus Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the morphological characteristics of the pterygoid hamulus (PH) using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), assessing its length, width, interpterygoid distance, and spatial relationships with the posterior nasal spine (PNS) across different age groups and genders. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study analysed CBCT images of 100 subjects (50 males, 50 females) from various age groups. Measurements included PH length and width bilaterally, interpterygoid distance, distance from PH to PNS, and the angle formed between PH and PNS. Statistical analyses were performed to assess differences between sides, genders, and age groups. Results: Significant bilateral asymmetry was observed in PH length (p<0.001) and width (p=0.003), with the right side generally being shorter but wider. Males exhibited greater PH width compared to females (p = 0.002 for the right side). PH length showed age-related variations, increasing from under 20 years to 21-59 years, then slightly decreasing in those over 60. The angle between PH and PNS was significantly larger on the left side (p<0.001). Interpterygoid distance remained relatively consistent across age groups and genders. Conclusion: This study provides comprehensive morphometric data on the pterygoid hamulus, revealing significant bilateral asymmetries and gender-related differences. These findings contribute to the understanding of PH anatomical variations and have important implications for various dental and maxillofacial procedures, potentially enhancing diagnostic accuracy, treatment planning, and surgical outcomes.