Pterygoid Hamulus

The pterygoid hamulus is an extended hook-shaped structure protruding posterolaterally from the inferior boundary of the medial plate of the pterygoid process. Pterygoid hamulus is located directly at the back of the alveolar arch as well as inferior towards the posterior margin of the hard palate.

Pterygoid Hamulus

Function

• Acts as a pulley for one of the tensor veli palatini muscles of the soft palate.
• The connection site for the upper end of the pterygomandibular raphe, which is
  connected to the mandible inferiorly
• Joins the superior constrictor of the pharynx along with the buccinator muscle of the cheek.

Clinical Significance

Pterygoid Hamulus Bursitis

Various pain syndromes often show related symptoms. The pterygoid hamulus bursitis is among such disorder. Due to complex anatomy of the head and neck region, diagnosis of craniofacial pain disorder is often a challenging task.

It may create symptoms like:

• Soft palatal, ear, and throat pain, maxillary pain.
• Difficulty and pain on swallowing.
• It is frequently misdiagnosed as otitis media and its treatment may be either traditional or surgical.