Evaluation of styloid process in Bareilly population on digital panoramic radiographs

Abstract

Introduction: The styloid process is a long slender and pointed bony process projecting downwards, forwards and slightly medially from the temporal bone. Elongated styloid process is being more often seen in panoramic radiographs which are commonly used in dental practice. Aim: To assess the styloid process on digital panoramic radiographs. Materials and Methods: It is a cross-sectional study based on the panoramic radiographs of 2000 patients who reported to the department. The panoramic radiographs were available in the archives of our department as soft copies. These panoramic radiographs were obtained using Orthoralix DDE (GENDEX, USA) digital panoramic system. The length of the styloid process was measured radiographically on both sides of the maxillofacial region using the measurement toolbars on the accompanying analysis software. For statistical analysis, we used the unpaired t-test, Chi-square test, and one-way analysis of variance test, as necessary. Results: The average length of the right and left styloid process in males was 26.96 ± 8.748 and 26.76 ± 8.33 in females; right and left average length were 26.02 ± 5.86 and 26.59 ± 7.00 in males and females, respectively. The length of the styloid process on both sides increased with age; males had longer styloid process than females. Elongated styloid process was present in 26.5% of the patients. Langlais type I elongated styloids and type D calcification pattern were more common than others. Conclusion: Panoramic radiography is useful for the detection of an elongated styloid process in patients with or without symptoms, and helps avoid misdiagnosis of tonsillar pain or pain of dental, pharyngeal, or muscular origin.