The Syloid Process: Morphometry and Its Clinical Implications in Costal Region of Andrapradesh, India

Abstract

Objective: Styloid process is a slender bony projection, pointing downwards from the temporal bone. An elongated styloid process can compress the vital vessels and nerves close to it. Aim of the present study was to emphasize the styloid process morphometry and its clinical importance in study population Materials and Methods: Styloid process of temporal bone was studied by using 52 three dimensional CT scans of both sexes.Results: The mean length of the styloid process on right and left side was 3.15± 0.52cm, 3.03 ± 0.55 cm. The mean width of the right and left styloid process was 0.74 ± 0.17 cm, 0.72 ± 0.19 cm. The mean medial angulation of right and left styloid process was 61.5° ± 8.17°, 61.6° ± 6.29° respectively. Conclusion:Morphometric evaluation of the styloid process is clinically important because of its closeness to important neurovascular structures. Data obtained from the present study may useful for physicians, surgeons, radiologists, otorhinolaryngologists, dentists and for anatomists as an academic interest.