Elongated styloid process evaluation on digital panoramic radiograph in a North Italian population

BACKGROUND The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of elongated styloid process in digital panoramic radiographs in a North Italian population in relation to age, gender and side. MATERIAL AND METHODS This study was performed as a retrospective analysis on digital panoramic radiographs of 600 (271 males and 329 females) Italian patients between 6 and 87 years old. The styloid process length were measured using the measuring tool of Sidexis Software. It was measured from the point where it left the temporal bone plate to its tip. Styloid processes measuring more than 30 mm were considered elongated. Chi-squared and Fisher tests were used and the test is considered significant if the p-value is lower or equal to 0.05. RESULTS Thirty-three per cent of the patients showed an elongated styloid process. Seventeen per cent were elongated on both right and left side, fifteen point nine per cent were elongated only in one side. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of elongated styloid process was high and a progressive increase of the elongation prevalence was found in older groups. Key words:Elongated styloid process, Eagle's syndrome, panoramic radiograph.