Length, Types and Patterns of Calcification of Stylohyoid Complex: A Retrospective Radiographic Study

Contributors: 1Professor, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, CKS Theja Institute of Dental Sciences & Research, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India; 2Associate Professor, Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Darshan Dental College & Hospital, Loyara, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India; 3Tutor/Lecturer, Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Government Dental College & Research Institute, Vijayanagara Institute of Medical Sciences, Bellary, Karnataka, India; 4Senior Dental Officer, General Hospital, Chitradurga, Karnataka, India, 5Senoir Lecturer, Sharavathi Dental College and Hospital, T.H Road, Alcala, Shimga, Karnatak, India. Correspondence: Dr. Raviraj J. Flat No. 301, Brindavan Apartments, Above Karur Vysya Bank, K.T Road, Tirupathi 517 501, Andhra Pradesh, India. Tel.: +(0)0877-2222957. Phone: +91-9676915332. Email: [email protected] How to cite the article: Raviraj J, Satish G, Divya KT, Reddy V, Shetty SB. Length, types and patterns of calcification of stylohyoid complex: A retrospective radiographic study. J Int Oral Health 2015;7(11):67-70. Abstract: Background: (1) To determine the prevalence of elongated styloid process in Tirupati population, (2) to determine the distribution of types/patterns of calcification of stylohyoid complex, (3) to determine the influence of age, sex, and elongation of styloid process on types/patterns of stylohyoid complex calcification. Methods: A 430 digital panoramic radiographs (860 measurements) were assessed retrospectively for length, types/patterns of calcification of stylohyoid complex. Age and sex correlation with elongation of the styloid process and types/patterns of stylohyoid complex calcification were assessed and subjected to statistical analyses. Results: The 148 (17.3%) had elongated styloid process in Tirupati population. Mean length of stylohyoid complex of the total sample and mean length of the elongated styloid process were 21.59 mm and 38.13 mm respectively in Tirupati population. Amongst the elongated styloid processes the “uninterrupted” type; “partially calcified” pattern of Langlais and “E” pattern of MacDonald-Jankowski’s were the most prevalent in the present study population. Conclusions: (1) Age had a statistically significant positive correlation with elongation of styloid process, (2) the difference in length of stylohyoid complex, elongated styloid process, types/ patterns of calcification were statistically insignificant between males and females, (3) calcification of ceratohyal region of stylohyoid complex could contribute to elongated styloid process.