Journal of Dental Medicine

Background and Aims: Elongation of styloid process may result in development of Eagle syndrome with associated symptoms. This study aimed to assess the frequency of elongated styloid process (ESP) and to evaluate its prevalence according to sex and age.

Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on digital panoramic radiographs of patients refered to the Oral Radiology Department of dental school, Guilan University of Medical Sciences. Styloid process length was measured and classified as elongated, pseudoarticulated, or segmented. Calcification patterns were determined as A, B, C, and D. ESP was defined as length > 30 mm. Data were analyzed by SPSS using T-test, Chi square, Pearson, and Spearman (P<0.05).

Results: A total of 505 digital panoramic radiographs taken from 227 males (45%) and 278 females (55%) aged 10 to 72 (40.1±12.9) years were evaluated. Elongated styloids were present in radiographs of 230 (45.5%) individuals. There was no significant difference in the ESP frequency between males (46.09%) and females (53.91%) (P=0.63). Type I and calcification B pattern showed more frequency than that of other categories.

Conclusion: According to these findings, elongated styloid process was a common condition among the studied population and had a significant correlation to the age.