Assessment of the dimensions of the pterygoid hamulus for establishing age- and sex-specific reference standards using cone-beam computed tomography

Abstract

Purpose This study was conducted to establish age- and sex-specific reference standards for pterygoid hamulus (PH) dimensions using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods CBCT scans of 1,000 patients (493 males and 507 females) were retrospectively assessed in coronal sections for length and width measurements of the PH by 3 investigators. The study data were divided into 3 age groups (group 1: <20 years, group 2: 20–50 years, group 3: >50 years). Length and width were compared using one-way analysis of variance and the t-test for age and sex, respectively. Results The length of the PH on the right side significantly increased from group 1 (6.11±1.47 mm), through group 2 (6.65±1.67 mm) to group 3 (6.99±1.79 mm) and on the left side from group 2 (6.58±1.63) to group 3 (6.98±1.70). The width of the PH significantly decreased from group 1 (1.81±0.39 mm) to group 2 (1.61±0.39 mm) on the right side, and similarly from 1.87±0.36 mm to 1.67±0.37 mm on the left side. PH length (7.18±1.81 mm on the right side and 7.10±1.72 mm on the left side) and width (1.68±0.38 mm on the right side and 1.74±0.36 mm on the left side) were significantly greater in males than in females. Conclusion The length of the PH increased with age, whereas width first decreased and then increased. Length and width measurements were significantly higher in males than in females. These findings will aid in the diagnosis of untraceable pain in the oropharyngeal region related to altered PH morphology.

Pterygoid Hamulus: Morphological Analysis and Clinical Implications

“…In comparison with the anatomical studies of Putz and Kroyer [1] and Krmpotić-Nemanić et al [4], we obtained a slightly higher mean length value (0.9 cm vs. 0.7 cm). On the other hand, radiological studies documented lower mean lengths, ranging from 0.45 cm to 0.69 cm [2,[6][7][8][9]11]. Disparities in maximum length values were also evident when comparing our findings to those of previous studies [2,6].…”

“…Prior morphological investigations of the PH focused on its length, width, and angle, employing CT and cone-beam CT (CBCT) [2,[6][7][8][9][10][11]. The anatomical study by Putz and Kroyer served as the foundational reference for subsequent anatomical and radiological inquiries into the PH [1].…”

“…Imaging studies report narrower widths, ranging from 0.12 cm to 0.22 cm [2,7,8,11], following the pattern of extracting smaller length values from radiology. Furthermore, imaging studies reporting exceptionally low values for length and width (0.09 cm and 0.08 cm, respectively) [2] should raise questions about the PH stability, functionality, and ability to serve as a fulcrum for the tensor veli palatini muscle.…”

Morphometric Analysis of Greater Palatine Canal by Computed Tomography

“…CT images of individuals with nasal pathology that may affect the measurement and individuals with poor imaging quality were excluded from the study. The study data were divided into three age groups, <20 years, 20-60 years, and >60 years, as adolescent, adult, and elderly, respectively (11)(12)(13). CT scans were performed with an 80-row Multidetector Computed Tomography (MDCT) scanner (Aquilion Prime, Toshiba Medical Systems, Nasu, Japan).…”