Imaging Sci Dent.  2012 Sep;42(3):155-161. 10.5624/isd.2012.42.3.155.

Clinicoradiologic evaluation of styloid process calcification

• Bagga MB
• Kumar CA
• Yeluri G

• KMID: 2167433
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5624/isd.2012.42.3.155

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was performed to investigate the prevalence, morphology, and calcification pattern of the elongated styloid process in the Mathura population and its relation to gender, age, and mandibular movements.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The study analyzed digital panoramic radiographs of 2,706 adults. The elongated styloid process was classified with the radiographic appearance based on the morphology and calcification pattern. The limits of mandibular protrusion were evaluated for each subject. The data were analyzed by using a Student's t-test and chi-squared test with significance set at p=0.05.
RESULTS
Bilateral elongation having an "elongated" type styloid process with a "partially mineralized" pattern was the most frequent type of styloid process. No correlation was found between styloid process type and calcification pattern on the one hand and gender on the other, although elongated styloid was more prevalent in older and male populations (p<0.05). Further styloid process elongation showed no effect on mandibular protrusive movement (p>0.05).
CONCLUSION
Dentists should recognize the existence of morphological variation in elongated styloid process or Eagle syndrome apparent on panoramic radiographs. We found higher prevalence of elongated styloid process in the population of the Mathura region when compared with other Indian populations. The calcification of the styloid process was more common in the older age group with no correlation to gender, mandibular movement and site. "Type I" with a "partially calcified" styloid process was observed more frequently in the population studied.

Keyword

Calcification; Eagle Syndrome; Radiography, Panoramic

MeSH Terms

Adult
Dentists
Eagles
Hand
Humans
Male
Ossification, Heterotopic
Prevalence
Radiography, Panoramic
Temporal Bone
Ossification, Heterotopic
Temporal Bone

Figure

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  Fig. 1 A. The points show the anterior nasal spine and mastoid process on panoramic radiograph. B. Imaginary line connects the anterior nasal spine and the mastoid process on panoramic radiograph. C. Classification of elongation of styloid process based on type of calcification: Type I (elongated), Type II (pseudo articulated), and Type III (segmented). D. Classification of elongation of styloid process based on pattern of calcification (A: Calcified outline; B: Partially calcified; C: Nodular; D: Completely calcified).

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  Fig. 2 The diagram shows the number and percentage of the distribution of styloid process elongation according to the groups.

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  Fig. 3 A panoramic radiograph reveals bilateral styloid process calcification (Type I and Pattern B).

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