Clinicoradiologic evaluation of styloid process calcification

Abstract

PurposeThis study was performed to investigate the prevalence, morphology, and calcification pattern of the elongated styloid process in the Mathura population and its relation to gender, age, and mandibular movements.Materials and MethodsThe study analyzed digital panoramic radiographs of 2,706 adults. The elongated styloid process was classified with the radiographic appearance based on the morphology and calcification pattern. The limits of mandibular protrusion were evaluated for each subject. The data were analyzed by using a Student's t-test and chi-squared test with significance set at p=0.05.ResultsBilateral elongation having an "elongated" type styloid process with a "partially mineralized" pattern was the most frequent type of styloid process. No correlation was found between styloid process type and calcification pattern on the one hand and gender on the other, although elongated styloid was more prevalent in older and male populations (p<0.05). Further styloid process elongation showed no effect on mandibular protrusive movement (p>0.05).ConclusionDentists should recognize the existence of morphological variation in elongated styloid process or Eagle syndrome apparent on panoramic radiographs. We found higher prevalence of elongated styloid process in the population of the Mathura region when compared with other Indian populations. The calcification of the styloid process was more common in the older age group with no correlation to gender, mandibular movement and site. "Type I" with a "partially calcified" styloid process was observed more frequently in the population studied.

A Digital Panoramic Radiograph Study of Length of Styloid Process in Nepalese Population

“…Elongated styloid process is often asymptomatic, and its pathogenesis is still unknown. Various hypotheses include ossification of the stylohyoid ligament, reactive metaplasia/ hyperplasia, anatomic variation, ageing, developmental anomaly and trauma leading to loss of elasticity in the stylohyoid ligament [21]. Our result suggests that elongated styloid process is common in elderly people which may be due to the calcification of the stylohyoid ligament with aging [22].…”

“…Comparing the outcomes of the prevalence of elongated styloid process is impossible because of racial, ethnical, anatomical variations, differences in the procedure of measurement devices and observer variation. Study suggests that panoramic radiograph are a suitable tool for epidemiological studies [21] though precise evaluation using two-dimensional radiographic as panoramic radiographs could be challenging due considerations like projection, magnification and distortion of the styloid process [21]. Elongated styloid process is often asymptomatic, and its pathogenesis is still unknown.…”

“…The morphological characteristics of the SP have been studied by several researchers [5,3,17,20,21] using different methodologies. The results of these studies show that the prevalence of elongated styloid process varies between 0,4-84,4% of the population.…”

Eagle syndrome: from neck pain to vagal episode: report of two cases

“…Initially, the diagnosis could only be made using an orthopantomogram [4]. Whether or not the length of the styloid process is responsible for symptomatology has been debated because some patients are asymptomatic when the length exceeds the average (25 mm).…”

Eagle syndrome. A narrative review

“…1,13,24,35 It is thin, long, cylindrical and tapers gradually its apex like a cone. 29,30,33,34,[36][37][38] It belongs to the temporal bone from its lower surface at the junction of the petrous and tympanic portions below the external auditory meatus and anterior to the mastoid process. 15,16,19,31 The styloid process is usually located between the internal and external carotid arteries 7,26,36 and allows the insertion of the stylopharyngeus, stylohyoid and styloglossus muscles, 9,24,30 and also of the stylomandibular ligaments.…”