Elongation pattern of styloid process in Saudi population: a factor to remember in the prevention of Eagle syndrome

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of styloid process (SP) patterns in Saudi population. Materials and methods: This retrospective, cross-sectional study included 2010 digital panoramic radiographs (PRs) selected randomly for adult patients who visited five major hospitals in the Qassim region, Saudi Arabia, PRs were examined to detect any SP elongation. Data were collected and analysed using SPSS v22. Results: In this study, positive SP elongation was seen in 25.4% of the total cases, 14.2% and 11.2% male and female, respectively. The mean age was 34.3 ± ± 13.9 years. Type I was found in 19.1%, type II in 1.7%, and type III in 4.6% of the cases. Normal SP was seen in 74.7%. Patients between 30 and 50 years were significantly more affected with type I pattern. Normal SP was reported mostly in the youngest age group 18–24 years, in 31% of total cases. Conclusions: Styloid process has many patterns and variations that could be detected on digital PRs taken daily in most of dental clinics. Dentists should be trained to detect patients with such variation so that signs associated with Eagle syndrome are not misinterpreted.