An unusual cause of otalgia--an ossified stylohyoid ligament

Otalgia is often related to pathology in areas of the head and neck apart from the ear. This is due to the rich innervation of the ear via the fifth, seventh, ninth and tenth cranial nerves and the cervical plexus. It is estimated that 50% of ear pain is referred from non-otologic sites. A case is reported where otalgia was due to the presence of a bone in place of a ligament in the neck and was relieved by its removal.