Evaluation of association between Elongated Styloid Process and Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

Abstract

Introduction: Styloid process (SP) is an integral part of the styloid complex that is derived from 2nd pharyngeal arch (Reichart’s cartilage). The tip of SP is situated between the external carotid artery, Internal jugular vein, cranial nerves 5 and 9. Around 8% of the people with elongated styloid process present with neck pain, foreign body sensation in throat, pain on turning head, odynophagia, often misdiagnosed as the clinical symptoms for temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD).

Aim: The aim of the study is to evaluate the association between elongated styloid process and prevalence of temporomandibular joint disorders in our regional population.

Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at Saveetha Dental College and hospital, Chennai. 1012 orthopantomographs (OPG) were reviewed from the DIAS from which 137 with elongated styloid processes were filtered among which assessment was done for the patients having TMD or not. Statistical analysis using SPSS was done and chi square analysis was done.

Results: It is seen that almost equal number of males and females are having both elongated SP and TMD. Different age groups were affected with both conditions, among which 28-37 years were more affected. 38 people had elongated SP along with TMD.

Conclusion: From this study it can be concluded that there was no association between elongated styloid process and the occurrence of temporomandibular joint disorders.