Cone-beam computed tomography study of morphometric evaluation of pterygoidhamulus

Aim: The aim of the study was morphometricevaluation of pterygoidhamulus using CBCT. Material and Methods: CBCT images of 40males and 40females with age >20years were evaluated.The length, width, inclinationandincidence of shape of PH was evaluatedwith respect to side and gender.Independent t-test was used for statistical analysis. Results: The mean length of PH of both sides in males and females was found to be 11.5 +0.75 and 10.09 + 0.45 mm, inclinations in sagittal plane was 12.74° + 30.45 and 15.22° + 30.65 in anterior direction,inclinations in coronal plane was 11.5° + 31.05, 19.7° + 39.15 in medial direction whereas, it was 79.13°+30.4 and 71.5°+38.7 in lateral direction.Incidence of shapes of PH was 2.6,2.4 for triangle 1.7 and 2.2 for slenderrespectively with statistically significant difference. Mean width values in males & females was found to be (left) 3.04 + 0.6 , 3.06 + 0.5 and (right) 2.01 + 0.4 and 2.02 + 0.3mm,inclination in sagittal plane (left) was 47.2°+ 20.1 and (right) 47.28°+ 22.1 ,47° + 20.1 and 47.1° + 22.1 in posterior direction respectively with statistically insignificant difference. No statistically significant difference was found between left and right side except the inclination in coronal plane was more in left as compared to right side.Inclination in coronal and sagittal plane was more on lateral and posterior side respectively. Conclusion: Appraisal of the morphology of PH is helpful as it provides insightfor differential diagnosis of the imperceptible pains inoral cavity and pharynx.