ELONGATED STYLOID PROCESS AND ANATOMICAL IMPLICATIONS FOR EAGLE’S SYNDROME

Dr. Bheem Prasad*, Dr. Padamjeet Panchal

ABSTRACT

Eagle’s Syndrome is a condition of an elongated styloid process or ossification of the stylohyoid ligaments. It may cause throat pain, otalgia, foreign body sensation, difficulty in swallowing, etc. In adults the styloid process is usually 20 - 30 mm but if it is more than 30 mm it is called as elongated styloid process. It can be diagnosed by a detailed history, physical examination and radiological investigation. The aim of the present study was to determine the average length of the styloid process in the dry human skulls. This study was conducted on 50 dried adult human skulls of the Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna. The length of the styloid process was measured from its base to the tip of the styloid process by a Digital Vernier Caliper. Among the 50 dry skulls, the elongated styloid process was unilaterally in two skulls. The maximum length of styloid process was 35.59 mm on the right side, whereas the left side styloid process was a normal length. The average length of the styloid process on left side was 21.01±6.67 mm, whereas on the right side was 21.20±6.97 mm. An awareness of the Eagle’s syndrome is important to all health professionals who are involved in the diagnosis and treatment of head and neck pain management.

Keywords: Eagle’s syndrome, Elongated styloid process, Ossification, skull, Stylohyoid ligament, styloid process.