Prevalence of Styloid Process Elongation on Panoramic Radiography in the Turkey Population from Cappadocia Region

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of styloid process elongation (SPE) detected on panoramic radiographs (PRs) in Cappadocia region population in Turkey and to investigate the SPE incidences in relation to the age subgroups. METHODS Between 2004 to 2007 years, a random sample of 750 PRs was collected from the data files and any questionable PR was excluded. Therefore, 698 PRs were included in the present study. The subjects were divided into six age subgroups: 10-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60 years and older. Fifty-four (7.7%) patients demonstrated SPE at least one side. RESULTS There were statistical differences between 10-19, 20-29 age subgroups and 30-39, 50-59 age subgroups in terms of the SPE prevalence, but not other subgroups. CONCLUSIONS According to our knowledge, this is the highest prevalence in comparison to the other Turkish reports and the first study in terms of the SPE prevalence in Cappadocia region population. Also, the subgroup analyse suggested that the age may not have a role in the elongation of the SP.