Types of Ossified Pterygospinous Ligament and Its Clinical Implications

AIM To study the anatomical aspects of ossified pterygospinous ligament in adult human skulls. OBJECTIVE The pterygospinous ligament extends from the spine of the sphenoid to the posterior border of the lateral pterygoid plate. Rarely is it ossified. This study was done to know the abnormal ossification of the ligament and to alarm the dental surgeons, the anaesthetics, neurosurgeons of its clinical implications. MATERIALS AND METHODS 100 adult dry skull bones, vernier caliper and thread were used. Using vernier caliper, the length & breadth of the ossified pterygospinous ligament and the diameter of pterygospinous foramen were measured. RESULTS Out of 100 Skulls studied, the ossified pterygospinous ligaments were present in 11 Adult dry skull bones. CONCLUSION The study showed the anatomical aspects of a complete & incomplete ossified pterygospinous ligament. The ossified pterygospinous ligament normally results in the formation of a pterygospinous foramen which may compress the branches of the mandibular nerve and chorda tympani nerve causing neuralgic pain in the area of supply of that particular nerve. Such variations are of great clinical significance for radiologists, dental surgeons, anaesthetists, neurosurgeons to plan their procedure before treating the patients.