The Evaluation of Elongated Styloid Process in Panoramic Radiographs in Edentulous Patients

Authors: MEMDUHA GÜLHAL BOZKIR, HASAN BOĞA, FAHRİ DERE

Abstract: It has been estimated that between 2% to 28% of the general adult population has radiographic evidence of elongated styloid process. In adults, the mean radiographic lenght of the styloid process is 20 to 30 mm and its tip is located between the external and internal carotid arteries, just lateral to the tonsillar fossa. Eagle's syndrome occurs when an elongated styloid process or ossified stylohyoid ligament causes recurrent throat pain or foreign body sensation, dysphagia, or facial pain. It may develop inflammatory changes or impinge on the adjacent arteries or sensory nerve endings, leading to the symptoms described. To study the incidence of elongated styloid process, panoramic radiographs of 100 male and 100 female patients who were over 50 years of age and were to have maxillary and mandibular total prostheses made were examined in a dental unit, Adana Numune Hospital (Turkey). In these radiographs, the comparison of the frequency of elongated styloid process and/or ossification of stylohyoid ligament which are longer than 30 mm were included in evaluation. The elongation of the styloid process and/or ossification of stylohyoid ligament was found in 8 patients (4%): 3 females (37% of the cases), 5 males (63% of the cases). There was no statistical difference between the two sexes.

Keywords: The elongation of the styloid process, ossification of the stylohyoid ligament.

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