Elongated Styloid Process - A Radiographic Study

Abstract

Eagle′s syndrome, also known as elongated styloid process syndrome, is a condition that may be the source of craniofacial and cervical pain. The styloid process is a slender bony projection arising from the lower surface of the petrous portion of the temporal bone. 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 length 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. This study was done to evaluate the elongation of the styloid process and/or ligament ossification by using panoramic radiographs. Both ossification of stylohyoid and stylomandibular ligaments and truly elongated styloid process were defined as elongated styloid process. Elongated styloid processes should be kept in mind when the clinician is faced with oropharyngeal/ maxillary pain originating from impacted or unerupted third molars or dental caries.

Keywords

• Eagle′s syndrome
• elongated styloid process
• Panoramic radiograph