Fractures of the styloid process and stylohyoid ligament: an uncommon injury

Abstract

Fracture of an elongated styloid process or ossified stylohyoid ligament is uncommon. Neck or throat pain, decreased mobility, hoarseness, and mass in the neck are signs and symptoms of fracture. The inciting trauma may be as mild as yawning but more often blunt trauma of a serious nature, such as motor vehicle accident, is the cause. The diagnosis may be missed because of difficulty imaging the stylohyoid apparatus. Two cases are presented that demonstrate the variability of symptoms and trauma. Previous reports of similar injuries and selection of radiographic examinations, including computed tomography, are discussed.