Elongated styloid process (Eagle's syndrome): a clinical study

Abstract

Purpose: Elongated styloid process can be a source of craniofacial and cervical pain and remains a diagnostic challenge to many. The aim of the study was to determine the symptomatology and various criteria for the diagnosis of an elongated styloid process and its management.

Patients and methods: Our clinical study consisted of 58 patients with elongated styloid process who had symptoms of vague cervicofacial pain and presented to our department during a period of 10 years. Special emphasis is given to palpation of the tonsillar fossa, lidocaine infiltration test, and orthopantomography.

Results: Minimal complications and zero incidence of deep neck infection were noted.

Conclusions: All of the patients were managed surgically through the intraoral approach, which was found to be a safe procedure.