Radiographic evaluation of elongated styloid process – a retrospective study

Aim: To retrospectively evaluate the prevalence, morphology, and calcification pattern of the elongated styloid process in a hospital based population in the region of Chennai. Materials and Methods: 350 digital panoramic radiographs were retrieved randomly from the archival records and evaluated. The length of the styloid process was measured from the point where the styloid process left the tympanic plate to the tip of the process despite the styloid process being segmented or not. Based on the radiographic appearance, the elongated styloid process were classified according to their morphology and calcification pattern. The collected data was subjected to statistical analysis using student’s t test and chi-square test. Results: The mean age of elongated styloid process was 42.93±4 years. Elongated styloid process was more prevalent in males when compared to females (p<0.05). Type I (elongated) was the most common morphology of elongated styloid process assessed (52.4%) and the most common pattern of calcification assessed was calcified outline (41.9%). Conclusion: Styloid process elongation significantly increases with increasing age with an increased male predominance. Styloid process elongation may be coincidental asymptomatic radiographic finding. The panoramic radiographs are economical, easily accessible and useful diagnostic aid for early detection of elongated styloid process with or without symptoms.