Elongated Styloid Process Evaluation Using Panoramic Radiography in Patients With Oral Submucous Fibrosis: A...

Area of Science:

• Oral pathology
• Anatomy
• Radiology

Background:

• Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic, precancerous condition of the buccal mucosa.
• Pathological hallmarks include inflammation, collagen deposition, and muscular degeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence and distribution of elongated styloid process (ESP) in patients with OSMF.
• To investigate potential anatomical variations associated with OSMF.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of panoramic radiographs from 125 OSMF patients (2021-2023).
• Evaluation of ESP presence, type, and grading, correlated with OSMF grades.

Main Results:

• 53.6% of OSMF patients presented with ESP.
• Type I ESP was the most prevalent form (83.58%), frequently bilateral (52.2%).
• Type I ESP predominated across unilateral and bilateral presentations.

Conclusions:

• A significant prevalence of ESP, particularly Type I, exists in OSMF patients.
• Bilateral ESP is more common than unilateral in this cohort.
• Findings enhance understanding of anatomical variations in OSMF, guiding clinical practice and research.