Pterygoid Hamulus: Morphological Analysis and Clinical Implications.

Abstract

The pterygoid hamulus (PH), as a small and curved projection of the sphenoid bone, occupies a unique position at the skull base. Given its functional relation with the surrounding anatomical structures, the study of this rather underrepresented structure in the literature assumes paramount importance. We examined a total of 87 pterygoid hamuli (50 right-sided and 37 left-sided) out of a sample of 114 dry skulls. We measured the length, width, and angle of each PH and the interpterygoid distance in skulls with both pterygoid hamuli intact, and we calculated the mean, maximum, and minimum values. Our statistical analysis revealed the mean length (0.9 cm), width (0.3 cm), and angle (47.8°) of the PH, as well as the mean interpterygoid distance (3.31 cm). We recorded the longest-ever documented PH (1.64 cm). The obtained length values were higher than those provided by radiological studies. We also investigated possible associations between anatomy and pathological conditions related to the PH morphology, including pterygoid hamular elongation syndrome, hamular fracture, middle ear disorders, and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Our study uses precise measurement techniques to detail the anatomy of the PH in dry skulls. This research can be a valuable resource for future studies, advancing our understanding of the PH's structure and its clinical significance.