Fractured styloid process masquerading as neck pain: Cone-beam computed tomography investigation and review of the literature

Abstract

Historically, Eagle syndrome is a term that has been used to describe radiating pain in the orofacial region, foreign body sensation, and/or dysphagia due to a unilateral or bilateral elongated styloid process impinging upon the tonsillar region. Because elongated styloid processes–with or without associated Eagle syndrome–can present with various symptoms and radiographic findings, it can be challenging for healthcare practitioners to formulate an accurate diagnosis. Abnormal styloid anatomy can lead to a multitude of symptoms, including chronic orofacial/neck pain, thus masquerading as more commonly diagnosed conditions. In this report, we describe a patient who presented to our department with styloid process elongation and fracture. A careful history, physical examination, and a conebeam computed tomography (CBCT) investigation led to the diagnosis. The patient was then referred for appropriate care. This case report demonstrates the utilization of CBCT in differentiating a fracture site from a pseudo-joint that might mimic a fracture.

A Rare Case of Elongated Styloid Process Fracture

“…The fracture of an elongated styloid process is a very rare condition. The fracture is caused by trauma in the vast majority of the cases, although other causes such as dental treatment have been reported [ 9 ]. Arechvo et al [ 10 ] reported that traumatic fracture is often caused by car accidents and can also be caused by dental treatment and tonsillectomy.…”

Open Electronics for Medical Devices: State-of-Art and Unique Advantages

“…X-ray Computed Tomography Scanner (CT scanner) is an important piece of medical equipment widely used in the healthcare industry. CT Scanning is used for brain [57], neck [58], lungs [59], liver [60], heart [61], and numerous other diagnosis. A typical CT-scan consists of series of planar X-ray scans combined together.…”

Calcificación de los Procesos Estiloides: Sus Implicancias en Odontología. Presentación de un Caso

“…Por consiguiente, la TCCB proporciona niveles muy bajos de dosis de radiación para el paciente de acuerdo al principio ALARA es decir tan bajo como sea razonablemente posible (Waites & Drage). La TCCB con reconstrucción 3D constituye en la actualidad el algoritmo de estudio por excelencia para diagnosticar el síndrome de Eagle ya que permite observar con precisión los procesos estiloides y las estructuras anatómicas adyacentes lo que además es de gran valor para una exitosa planificación quirúrgica (Khan et al, 2018).…”