Abstract

Eagle syndrome represents symptoms manifested by compression of regional structures by elongation of the styloid process or ossification of the stylohyoid membrane. The aim of the study is to assess the distribution of SP length and its correlation with side asymmetry. Present study was conducted in collaboration with department of Anatomy and department of Forensic Medicine at Jaipur National University Institute for Medical Sciences and research Center, Jaipur. A total of 38 dry skulls held by the Department of Anatomy were analyzed. The measures were synthesized in one mean measure. Descriptive statistics involved the calculation of central tendency and dispersion measures for each side of the styloid process and for each anatomic position. The length of the SP ranged from 5 mm to 43 mm and from 10 mm to 46 mm, based on the lateral view of the left and right styloid, respectively. From the posterior view, the values for the left and right sides of the skulls, respectively, ranged from 10 mm to 54 mm and from 15mm to 58 mm. This morpho-metric data of the styloid process is important to the physicians, neurosurgeons, otorhino-laryngologist and dentists for accurate diagnosis and treatment of dysphagia and chronic neck pain. The mere presence of an elongated styloid process does not automatically confirm a case of Eagle syndrome. The knowledge of SP variability apart from its anatomic value is of special interest for clinicians when managing atypical pain in the head and neck area as well as for forensic medicine and medico legal cases.

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