Incidence of the ossified pterygoalar ligamentin Brazilian human skulls and its clinical implications

ABSTRACT

The ossified pterygoalar ligament is formed between the lateral lamina of the pterygoid process and theinfratemporal surface of the sphenoid bone or its greater wing and was not connected to the sphenoid spine.The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of the ossified pterygoalar ligament in Brazilian humanskulls and analyzing its clinical importance. 183 Brazilian adult (between 30 to 60 years old) dry human skullswere evaluated. Was evaluated the incidence of skulls with complete or partial ossification of the pterygoalarligament, bilaterally and unilaterally and in the presence on the right and left sides. Were found 5 skulls had theossified pterygoalar ligament, resulting in an overall incidence of 2.73%. There was 1 skull in the presence ofthe incomplete ossification of the pterygoalar ligament, unilaterally and on the left side resulting in incidence of0.54%. There were 4 skulls in the presence of the complete ossification of the pterygoalar ligament, unilaterallyand on the right side resulting in incidence of 2.18%. The ossified pterygoalar ligament is a major cause of theentrapment of the lingual nerve or a branch of the mandibular nerve and may cause mandibular neuralgia. Theincidence of the ossified pterygoalar ligament and the pterygoalar foramen is low in the Brazilian population.However, these structures have clinical significance as this ligament establish relationships with the ovaleforamen and difficulty in accessing in this foramen in a therapeutic approach.