Elongated Styloid Process: Mapping the incidence in Greek population

Abstract

Background: Styloid process (SP) is a needle shaped projection of the temporal bone, which lies in close proximity to several important anatomical structures of the head and neck. It attracts the attention of anatomists, otolaryngologists and head and neck surgeons, as an abnormally long SP is linked with a clinical condition known as Eagle Syndrome. There are numerous studies in the literature investigating morphometric characteristics of SP, including its length in different populations. The aim of this study is to investigate the incidence of SP elongation in Greek population and to construct an epidemiologic map showing the incidence of SP elongation across different regions of Greek territory. Materials and methods: Two hundred and nine skulls retrieved from cemeteries across Greece were meticulously examined. Ninety-four male skulls and one-hundred and fifteen females, all of Hellenic origin. SP length was measured from the lowest inner point of the surface between the SP and the stylomastoid foramen to its tip, utilizing a digital caliper and a steel wire. Data from this study were statistically analyzed and combined with data from other studies in Greek population in order to construct a detailed epidemiologic map. Results: The mean length was 27.26 ± 5.89 mm for the left and 27.84 ± 6.31 mm for the right SP. In males 36.4% of the left and 37.8% of the right SP were elongated. In females the incidence of SP elongation was 14.3% and 15.5% for left and right side respectively. Statistically significant association was observed between gender and SP length but not between age and SP length. Conclusion: This study enriches the literature by adding information about elongated SP incidence in Greek population. It reviews the existing studies about SP length in Greeks and presents an epidemiologic map showing the incidence of SP elongation across different regions in Greece. KEY WORDS: Skull, Eagle syndrome, Hellenic population, Elongated Styloid Process.