Lacrimal Hamulus Of The Lacrimal Bone, Lateral View

Description

Lacrimal hamulus projects inferoposteriorly from the anterior margin of the lacrimal bone along the medial orbital wall, appearing as a small hook at the inferior end of the posterior lacrimal crest. From this lateral perspective, the hamulus sits just posterior to the anterior lacrimal crest and adjacent to the lacrimal groove, where the lacrimal sac continues inferiorly as the nasolacrimal duct. Superior to the hamulus, the fossa for the lacrimal sac is implied on the orbital surface of the lacrimal bone, while inferior and slightly anterior the bony channel leading toward the inferior nasal meatus is suggested by the tapering contour. Small, but exacting. Ophthalmic and ENT surgeons care about this projection because it defines the bony boundary of the lacrimal drainage pathway and serves as a palpable landmark when working along the medial canthus. In external or endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy, understanding where the hamulus lies relative to the lacrimal sac fossa helps you anticipate the thickness and edges of bone that must be removed to create a direct rhinostomy without drifting too posteriorly toward the ethmoid air cells. The fixed lateral view also helps clarify why medial orbital wall trauma can disturb tear drainage: fractures or bony spurs near the hamulus may narrow the nasolacrimal canal, contributing to epiphora and recurrent dacryocystitis. Use this illustration in head and neck anatomy labs to anchor the lacrimal bone among the maxilla, ethmoid, and inferior nasal concha, and in surgical atlases or patient education material discussing nasolacrimal duct obstruction and dacryocystorhinostomy planning. It also fits well in radiology teaching files that correlate bony landmarks on CT of the orbit and paranasal sinuses with lacrimal drainage anatomy. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.