Eagle' syndrome. Anatomy of the styloid process

Abstract

The observations made on the angulations and the length of styloid processes from a hundred skulls are presented. Morphometrical data compiled is correlated to those available in literature. The dimension and angularity of the process when in extreme is known to produce symptoms classified as Eagle's syndrome. This paper discusses the probable incidence of dysphagia due to predisposition of the elongated styloid process in Indian context. Most statistics on the metrics of the process are called from radiographic studies done in western centres. Osteometry of the styloid with reference to the risk factors in causation of the syndromes probably, presented in this paper for the first time in this part of the world. It is hoped that despite the rarity of the syndrome, this brief study will spur research into the osteological basis for the peculiar clinical condition.