Morphological Evaluation of Pterygoid Hamulus Through Computed Tomography
Vasudha Nikkam *
Department of Anatomy, D.Y. Patil Medical College, D.Y. Patil Education Society, Deemed to be University, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India.
Pramod Nagure
Eureka Diagnostic Centre, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India and Department of Radiodiagnosis, D.Y. Patil Medical College, D.Y. Patil Education Society, Deemed to be University, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The pterygoid hamulus, a small hook-like projection of the sphenoid bone, can be a source of pain in the pharyngeal region. In some cases, it may also cause swelling and discomfort in the palate. Hereby by the authors present a case report of a 38-year-old male presenting with palatal swelling with dull pain in the palatal or oropharyngeal region and mild pain at the site of swelling. He also complained about referred pain to the ear, throat, temporomandibular joint (TMJ), or maxillary region. On palpation, he complained about the tenderness over the hamular region, and intraorally, the hamulus was palpable.
A CT scan of the facial skeleton revealed elongation of both the medial and lateral plates of the pterygoid processes. The patient was counselled properly and responded well to the conservative mode of treatment.
Keywords: Palate, pterygoid hamulus, swelling, oral facial pain