Abstract
Knowledge of the Eagle's syndrome shows that its symptoms can be very easily confused with other types of craniomandibular disorders, especially temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The aim of this study was to find a possible correlation between the presence of TMD and elongation of the styloid process as well relate to presence of calcification of the stilohyoid chain. Fifty patients with TMD, confirmed from the RDC/TMD, were examined clinically and radiographically. Radiographic documentation consisted of digital panoramic radiograph and digital lateral cephalometric radiograph. Radiocef software (Radiomemory) was used for the analysis of radiographs by means of specific cephalometric tracing and linear measurements of the styloid process. Each radiograph was traced and measured three times with intervals of 1 month to spread the error. Statistical analysis was performed by Pearson's test (p=0.001) using Biostat 4.0 statistical software. Result showed an incidence of 76% elongation of the styloid process in the sample. There was a correlation between the bilateral measures taken in panoramic radiographs (?<0.001) and also for measures of styloid process length carried out in different panoramic radiographs and lateral cephalometric radiographs (?<0.001). It was concluded that there is prevalence of elongated styloid process in patients with TMD. However, no relationship was found between measurements on the stylohyoid chain and symptoms of headache, orofacial pain, tinnitus and vertigo.
Highlights
There has been an increasing percentage of patients with orofacial pain and temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
This study investigated a possible correlation between the intensity of TMD symptoms and styloid process elongation and calcification by analyzing the styloid process length from measurements obtained on panoramic and lateral cephalometric radiographs, and using the morphological classification proposed by Langlais [7]
The patients had been screened for the Service Occlusion and Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (SODAT/FORP-USP), all presenting symptoms relevant to TMD and orofacial pain for more than 3 months
Summary
There has been an increasing percentage of patients with orofacial pain and temporomandibular disorders (TMD). TMD is a collective term that encompasses a large number of clinical problems involving the masticatory muscles and/or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) [3]. It generates a large number of signs and symptoms that are often similar to other disorders or diseases. Eagle’s syndrome is still little known among dentists. It consists on anatomical changes in the styloid process or stylohyoid ligament, which can lead clinical manifestations similar to TMD. As not all morphological changes in the styloid process produces painful symptoms, the diagnosis of Eagle’s Syndrome, resulting in elongation of the styloid apophysis is quite difficult. Several studies have shown that panoramic radiograph and detailed clinical
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