Morphological Study of the Styloid Process of Temporal Bone in the Population of North-East India

Abstract

BACKGROUNDThe styloid process is a slender, pointed bony projection that extends downward and forward from the inferior surface of the petrous part of the temporal bone, anterior to the stylomastoid foramen. The normal length of the styloid process ranges from 20 -30 mm. It is said to be elongated if it measures > 30 mm. An elongated styloid process could compress the important structures in its vicinity and give rise to a number of clinical symptoms described as the Eagle's syndrome. Severe cases of Eagle's syndrome call for surgical excision of the styloid process. Aim-The present study is aimed to find out the incidence of elongated styloid process in the population of North-East India, as stylalgia can be a disturbing complaint. MATERIALS AND METHODSThe study was carried out on 140 dry human skulls with intact styloid processes, procured from the Department of Anatomy,