Study on Styloid Process and Its Clinical Implications

The styloid process (SP) is a cylindrical, long cartilaginous bone located on the temporal bone. It normally measures between 2cm and 3cm in adults. Elongated styloid process can be due to styloid process itself or due to ossification of stylohyoid ligament showing an overall length of more than 3 cm. In living persons, the elongated styloid process when present can produce characteristic cervicofacial and neck pain syndromes, commonly known as Eagle's syndrome. The signs and symptoms are due to the compression of the styloid process on some neural and vascular structures. It may also cause stroke due to the compression of carotid arteries. This syndrome is diagnosed by both radiographical and physical examination. Eagle’s syndrome is important clinically as it is involved in the diagnosis and treatment cervicofacial and neck pain. This article reviews the clinical importance of the elongated styloid process.