Styloid chain ossification: report of a case with articulations
M L Kiely1, D R Sawyer, J M Gowgiel
1Department of Anatomy, National College of Chiropractic, Lombard, Illinois 60148, USA.
Abstract:
A bilateral ossified stylohyoid ligament was observed in a cadaver specimen. On the left side, the stylohyoid chain was markedly enlarged. The stylohyoid ligament was completely ossified into two segments separated by a diarthrodial-like joint. An articulation was also observed between the enlarged styloid process and the ossified ligament. On the right side, the styloid process had a normal appearance. The middle part of the stylohyoid ligament was ossified and it was attached to the styloid process and to the hyoid bone by a fibrous band. Proposed theories to account for the ossification of this ligament are discussed. Since the presence of an enlarged and ossified stylohyoid chain can cause much discomfort and pain, a greater understanding of the causative factors responsible for this anomaly is needed to provide for more effective diagnosis and treatment.
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