Evaluation of Stylohyoid Complex Patterns on Digital Panoramic Radiographs in the Local Population in Ilam, Iran

Stylohyoid ligament ossification is a complication that is repeatedly and accidentally observed on panoramic radiographs and may be the cause of some symptoms. Accordingly, awareness of this incidence enables the clinicians in the accurate diagnosis of head and neck pains while avoiding unneeded therapy.

This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. The number of samples was 196 people who referred to an oral and maxillofacial radiology center in Ilam in 2020. Information was completed by a checklist which consisted of two parts, including a questionnaire (age, gender, history of maxillofacial trauma, history of maxillofacial surgery, and pregnancy) and a second part (including the ossification of the stylohyoid complex, its length, involved side, and the process category according to Langlais classification). Differences between the groups were compared by Student’s t test, Welch’s t test, or chi-square test (P<0.05).

The results revealed the influence of age on the calcification and elongation patterns of the styloid process while no significant association was found between gender and elongation and calcification patterns. The ossification of the stylohyoid complex was unilateral and bilateral in 24 (40.6%) and 35(59.3%) patients. Finally, the ossification of the stylohyoid complex was bilateral in 17 patients (48.6%) aged 40-59 years.

The evaluation of stylohyoid complex patterns using panoramic radiography is essential, especially in patients with related symptoms. Further studies are needed to completely understand the underlying mechanism of the ossification of the styloid process and to assess different types of the styloid process and the relation between them in patients.