Prevalence and Ossification Variation of Stylohyoid Ligament on Digital Panoramic Radiographs

Background and purpose: The elongation of styloid process can result in Eagle syndrome. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and pattern of ossification of elongated styloid process (ESP) in digital panoramic radiography and their association with gender and age. Materials and methods: In this retrospective study, 400 digital panoramic radiographs of patients attending Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Department in Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences were examined. The length of the styloid process was measured and classified into elongated, pseudoarticular, and segmental types. Length equal to or greater than 30 mm was considered as an elongated styloid process. Data were analyzed in SPSS using Chi-square, t-test, and correlation test. Results: Radiographs of 400 patients including 167 (42%) males and 233 (58%) females aged 11-79 (38.13 ± 48.43) years were investigated. ESP was observed in 118 (29.5%) patients. The prevalence of ESP was significantly higher in males (50.8%) than females (49.1%) (P=0.016). Also, the prevalence of ESP was significantly higher in older adults (P<0.001). Among the types of ESP, type I was found to be more prevalent. Conclusion: Elongated styloid process was relatively common in the population studied and was significantly correlated with age and sex (more prevalent in males).