IJAR.2025.114
Type of Article: Original Research
Volume 13; Issue 1 (March 2025)
Page No.: 9168-9171
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.16965/ijar.2025.114
Pterygospinous Bar: An Ossified Ligament at the Base of Skull and Its Clinical Importance
Vimal Gupta 1, Anshu Sharma *2.
1 Demonstrator, M.Sc. (Anatomy), Department of Anatomy, Government Medical College & Hospital, Chandigarh, India. ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-2051-4155
*2 Professor, Department of Anatomy, Ms (Anatomy), Government Medical College & Hospital, Chandigarh, India. ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4389-2390
Corresponding Author: Dr. Anshu Sharma, Professor, Department Of Anatomy, Ms (Anatomy), Government Medical College & Hospital, Chandigarh, India, 160030, E-Mail: anshusharma_01@yahoo.co.in
ABstract
Introduction: Lateral pterygoid plate of Sphenoid on its upper part of posterior border usually presents a spine. This spine gives attachment to Pterygospinous ligament. Ossification of this ligament may cause compression system for the neurovascular structures.
Materials and methods: A Total of 39 human skulls present in Government Medical College, Chandigarh’s bone bank, were included in the study. Skull with complete base and lateral wall of skull were included. The presence of Pterygospinous bar, its completeness, bilaterality, and size were noted.
Result: Out of 39, three skulls had pterygospinous bar bilaterally. In these three skulls too One skull had incomplete bars bilaterally while two others had complete bar forming foramen on right side. In other two skull incomplete bars were present unilaterally. The shape of the Foramen formed by the complete bar was round in two while oval in one skull.
Conclusion: Complete ossification of Pterygospinous ligament can result in formation of a foramen through which mandibular nerve branches which can manifest as various clinical symptoms. Therefore, this knowledge is important to neurosurgeons, radiologists, maxillofacial surgeons, anesthetists along with anatomists and anthropologist
KEY WORDS: Pterygospinous Bar, Ossified Ligament , Spine, Mandibular nerve.
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