Cone-Beam Computed Tomographic Evaluation of Styloid Process in Patients With Temporomandibular Disorders and Asymptomatic Individuals.

Abstract

Elongated styloid processes (ESP) may show clinical symptoms that are readily confused with symptoms associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). The purpose of study was to compare the prevalance and characteristics of ESP in patients with TMD and asymptomatic individuals are examined by cone beam computed tomography. Angulations and length of the styloid process (SP) were evaluated in CBCT images of 100 patients with TMD symptoms and 100 control patients, retrospectively. Differences between the patient and control groups were assessed by analysis independent sample t test. Pearson correlation test was used to evaluate between length and angulation of SP relationship. The mean length of SP in the TMD group was 38.19 ± 8.6 mm for the right and 38.99 ± 8.1 mm for the right side. The mean length of SP in the control group was 36.80 ± 6.3 for the right side and 36.18 ± 6.5 mm for the left side. The mean anterior angulation of the SP in the TMD group was 22.08 ± 5.5 degree in the TMD group and 23.97 ± 4.1 degree in the control group. The mean medial angulation of the SP in the TMD group was 30.57 ± 4.9 degree and 29.89 ± 4.4 degree in the control group. There was no significant difference in length and angle between the groups (P > 0.05). No correlation was found in terms of length and angulations of SP between TMD and control groups.