Prevalence of morphological and structural changes in the stylohyoid chain

Abstract

Background: Total or partial calcifcation of the stylohyoid chain, elongation of the stylohyoid process of the temporal bone and/or calcifcation of the stylohyoid ligament are usually incidental radiographic fndings. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of morphological and structural changes within the stylohyoid chain in 4413 digital panoramic radiographs. Material and Methods: The images were evaluated for the presence or absence of changes in the stylohyoid chain by a specialist in dentofacial radiology and the information collected comprised gender, age, side, right and left measurements and classifcation of the chain side elongated or calcifed stylohyoid process, as well as type and pattern of right or left calcifcation. Results: 275 (6.2%) subjects presented alterations, mostly bilateral, in the stylohyoid chain, being 186 females (67.6%) and 89 males (32.4%), with a higher proportion elongation. Partial calcifcation was more prevalent than total calcifcation. The right side was most affected and the frequency of events increased with age. Conclusions: The fndings of the present study demonstrate that the commonest alterations in the stylohyoid chain are bilateral, mainly elongation, with a clear trend to increased prevalence with increasing age, presenting a low incidence. Noneless, the clinicians must be aware of these alterations in the routinely radiographic examination.