Morphometric study of the styloid process of temporal bone

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Orthopedics
• Radiology

Background:

• The styloid process of the temporal bone is anatomically significant.
• Variations in its length and angulation are associated with stylalgia (Eagle's syndrome).
• Surgical intervention for elongated styloid processes can relieve neck and cervicofacial pain.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the morphometric characteristics of the styloid process.
• Specifically measuring length, angulation, and base-to-tip distance.
• To identify potential correlations with symptoms of stylalgia.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 114 dry human skull bones with intact styloid processes.
• Measurements of styloid process length and base-to-tip distance using vernier calipers.
• Digital image analysis (Adobe Photoshop, Image Tool) for anterior and medial angulation measurements.

Main Results:

• Mean styloid process length: 2.58 cm; mean base-to-tip distance: 4.65 cm.
• Mean anterior angle: 62.45°; mean medial angle: 74.15°.
• Significant difference in anterior angulation between normal and elongated styloid processes (p>0.001).

Conclusions:

• Elongated styloid processes exhibit decreased anterior angulation and base-to-tip distance.
• Medial angulation shows no significant change in elongated styloid processes.
• Emphasizes the clinical importance of examining the styloid process in patients with stylalgia symptoms.