Abstract
Background Patients with an elongated styloid process might present with dysphagia and pain in the cervicofacial region. These patients could be misdiagnosed as other orofacial pathologies. Aim The present study attempted to assess the prevalence of the elongated styloid process on digital panoramic radiographs in the Riyadh population. Materials and Methods The present prospective randomized study was conducted on the panoramic digital radiographs of 300 randomly selected patients visiting a private dental hospital to identify any elongation of the styloid process. Only the radiographs without any magnification errors were considered. The styloid process length was measured using the Sidexis measuring tool and entered in an Excel spreadsheet with other demographic data. A length beyond 30 mm was considered styloid process elongation. The data were subjected to statistical analysis. Results The symptoms of styloid process elongation were higher among females (78.6%), and this difference was statistically significant (χ2 = 7.182; P=0.007). No statistically significant association was observed between styloid process elongation and symptoms between different age groups. Females exhibited a significant longer mean length of the styloid process than males. The present study exhibited a 27.3% prevalence for the elongation and calcification of the styloid process. Conclusion Given the significant prevalence of the elongated styloid process in our study, we recommend it to be considered as one of the differential diagnosis for pain or discomfort in the orofacial region.
Highlights
Patients with an elongated styloid process might present with dysphagia and pain in the cervicofacial region. ese patients could be misdiagnosed as other orofacial pathologies
Radiology Research and Practice us, an elongated styloid process must be diagnosed accurately and considered as a differential diagnosis in orofacial pain. erefore, the present study attempts to evaluate the prevalence of styloid process elongation and its association with demographic factors in the population in Riyadh
All clinicians must be aware of the clinical and radiological signs and symptoms of styloid process elongation to accurately diagnose and treat symptoms in the cervicofacial region. e present study attempts to evaluate the prevalence of styloid process elongation in the Riyadh population and its association with demographic factors
Summary
E prevalence of an elongated styloid process in the general population ranges 2%–52% in various studies [5, 6]. Erefore, the present study attempts to evaluate the prevalence of styloid process elongation and its association with demographic factors in the population in Riyadh. E study was conducted according to the guidelines of the Declaration of Helsinki and approved by the Institutional Review Board of College of Dentistry, Dar Al Uloom University, Riyadh, KSA (COD/IRB/2020/5). Both verbal and written consent was obtained from all patients. E ossification of the stylohyoid or stylomandibular ligaments, if present, was considered a part of the elongated styloid process, and measurements were performed .
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