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Objective <p>The styloid process (SP) is an elongated, slender bone that extends from the temporal bone of the skull, typically measuring between 20 and 30&#xa0;mm in length. When this structure becomes excessively long (exceeding 30&#xa0;mm) or when the adjacent stylohyoid ligament becomes calcified, patients may present with Eagle syndrome—a clinical entity characterized by swallowing difficulties, cervicofacial discomfort, and neuralgic symptoms due to irritation of nearby nerves. Careful evaluation of the SP’s length and variations is essential for the prompt recognition and management of this syndrome, particularly owing to its close association with critical vascular and nervous structures. This research aims to determine reference values for styloid process length within an adult South Indian demographic, employing advanced multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) for precise measurement. Furthermore, the findings are contextualized by systematic comparison with published results from diverse populations worldwide, enabling assessment of both population-specific and sex-based differences. The overarching goal is to improve clinical awareness and diagnostic reliability for Eagle syndrome and other craniofacial disorders through comprehensive, evidence-based anatomical insights.</p> Methods <p>A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 240 patients who underwent head and neck MDCT scans at Yenepoya Medical College, Mangalore, India. The length of the styloid process was measured bilaterally, and statistical analysis was performed to compare lengths between genders and compare with existing literature.</p> Results <p>The mean right styloid process length was significantly greater in males (25.70&#xa0;mm) than females (24.38&#xa0;mm, <i>p</i> = 0.006), as was the left side (24.50&#xa0;mm vs. 23.47&#xa0;mm, <i>p</i> = 0.020). Across age groups (9–87 years), lengths showed minimal variation, peaking in the 50–69 years group, with no significant age-related differences.</p> Conclusion <p>The study provides normative data on styloid process length in a South Indian population, highlighting significant gender-based differences. These findings contribute to the early diagnosis and management of Eagle syndrome and underscore the importance of population-specific anatomical variations.</p>

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Morphometric Evaluation of Styloid Process Dimensions and Variations: A Multidetector CT Study in a South Indian Population

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月19日

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  • Joyce Sequeira,
  • Jaseem Ishaq,
  • Jagadish Chandra,
  • Namratha Gantasala

摘要

Objective

The styloid process (SP) is an elongated, slender bone that extends from the temporal bone of the skull, typically measuring between 20 and 30 mm in length. When this structure becomes excessively long (exceeding 30 mm) or when the adjacent stylohyoid ligament becomes calcified, patients may present with Eagle syndrome—a clinical entity characterized by swallowing difficulties, cervicofacial discomfort, and neuralgic symptoms due to irritation of nearby nerves. Careful evaluation of the SP’s length and variations is essential for the prompt recognition and management of this syndrome, particularly owing to its close association with critical vascular and nervous structures. This research aims to determine reference values for styloid process length within an adult South Indian demographic, employing advanced multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) for precise measurement. Furthermore, the findings are contextualized by systematic comparison with published results from diverse populations worldwide, enabling assessment of both population-specific and sex-based differences. The overarching goal is to improve clinical awareness and diagnostic reliability for Eagle syndrome and other craniofacial disorders through comprehensive, evidence-based anatomical insights.

Methods

A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 240 patients who underwent head and neck MDCT scans at Yenepoya Medical College, Mangalore, India. The length of the styloid process was measured bilaterally, and statistical analysis was performed to compare lengths between genders and compare with existing literature.

Results

The mean right styloid process length was significantly greater in males (25.70 mm) than females (24.38 mm, p = 0.006), as was the left side (24.50 mm vs. 23.47 mm, p = 0.020). Across age groups (9–87 years), lengths showed minimal variation, peaking in the 50–69 years group, with no significant age-related differences.

Conclusion

The study provides normative data on styloid process length in a South Indian population, highlighting significant gender-based differences. These findings contribute to the early diagnosis and management of Eagle syndrome and underscore the importance of population-specific anatomical variations.