title: Morphological variations of the hamular process as visualized on adult bitewing radiographs.
abstract: The hamular process is the hook-like projection arising from the inferior aspect of the medial pterygoid plate of the sphenoid bone. It is regarded as a dynamic ossified projection, changing in length, width, and shape as patients age. To extend the knowledge of this structure, several radiographic examples are provided and various associated pain disorders and relevant clinical findings are reviewed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oncology and Diagnostics Sciences, University of of Maryland Dental School, Baltimore, USA.
authors.forename: John K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Brooks
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011626:Pterygoid Muscles / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D016300:Radiography, Bitewing; D013100:Sphenoid Bone / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging