Styloid chain ossification: Report of a case with articulations

Abstract

A bilateral ossified stylohyoid ligament was observed in a cadaver specimen. On the left side, the stylohyoid chain was markedly enlarged. The stylohyoid ligament was completely ossified into two segments separated by a diarthrodial-like joint. An articulation was also observed between the enlarged styloid process and the ossified ligament. On the right side, the styloid process had a normal appearance. The middle part of the stylohyoid ligament was ossified and it was attached to the styloid process and to the hyoid bone by a fibrous band. Proposed theories to account for the ossification of this ligament are discussed. Since the presence of an enlarged and ossified stylohyoid chain can cause much discomfort and pain, a greater understanding of the causative factors responsible for this anomaly is needed to provide for more effective diagnosis and treatment.

Eagle's syndrome: A review of the literature

“…The ossification of the stylo-hyal part and its fusion with the tympano-hyal part results in a long styloid process, while failed ossification results in a shortened styloid process. The cerato-hyal part usually deteriorates with its fibrous sheath forming the stylohyoid ligament and the hypo-hyal part forming the lesser cornu of the hyoid bone (Dwight, 1907;De Chazal, 1946;Stafne, 1969;Hamilton et al, 1972;Gray, 1977;Kiely et al, 1995;Ghosh and Dubey, 1999;Satyapal and Kalideen, 2000;Chuang et al, 2007).…”

“…Depending on the morphology and the calcification of the styloid process, it can be described by different types (Lavine et al, 1968;Langlais et al, 1986;Monsour and Young, 1986;Kiely et al, 1995;Guo et al, 1997;Satyapal and Kalideen, 2000). The most common type of elongation is a Type I process usually partially or completely calcified (Ilgüy et al, 2005) (Table 2).…”

The Syndrome of Elongated Styloid Process, the Eagle’s Syndrome—From Anatomical, Evolutionary and Embryological Backgrounds to 3D Printing and Personalized Surgery Planning. Report of Five Cases

“…In humans, the styloid process, the stylohyoid ligament and the small horn of the hyoid bone form the hyoid apparatus. Several case reports have described completely ossified hyoid apparatus also in humans [ 34 ], even with diarthrodial—like joint formation [ 35 , 36 ]. We can hypothesize that the elongated styloid process in humans is evolutionary encoded and represents a form of atavism of the bony hyoid apparatus of our evolutionary ancestors.…”

“…The further development of the Reichert´s cartilage in humans is not fully understood, as different scientists describe this process differently. During development, the Reichert’s cartilage produces five cartilaginous divisions ( Table 2 ) [ 8 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 ]. These divisions are similar to bony elements of the hyoid apparatus of some tetrapod mammals [ 33 ].…”

Modern approaches to diagnosis and treatment of Eagle’s syndrome

“…У деяких пацієнтів больові відчуття виникають в зубах верхньої і нижньої щелеп. M. Kiely і співавтори [15] описали поширення болю в грудино-ключично-соскоподібний м'яз, а D. Savic [18] -в надключичну ямку, надпліччя і передню грудну стінку. Пацієнти зазвичай характеризують біль як тупий, постійний з періодами посилення і ослаблення.…”