Styloid chain ossification: report of a case with articulations.
A bilateral ossified stylohyoid ligament was observed in a cadaver specimen. On the left side, the stylohyoid chain was markedly enlarged. The stylohyoid ligament was completely ossified into two segments separated by a diarthrodial-like joint. An articulation was also observed between the enlarged styloid process and the ossified ligament. On the right side, the styloid process had a normal appearance. The middle part of the stylohyoid ligament was ossified and it was attached to the styloid process and to the hyoid bone by a fibrous band. Proposed theories to account for the ossification of this ligament are discussed. Since the presence of an enlarged and ossified stylohyoid chain can cause much discomfort and pain, a greater understanding of the causative factors responsible for this anomaly is needed to provide for more effective diagnosis and treatment.
Kiely
M L
ML
Department of Anatomy, National College of Chiropractic, Lombard, Illinois 60148, USA.
Sawyer
D R
DR
Gowgiel
J M
JM
D006801:Humans; D006928:Hyoid Bone / Q000473:pathology*; D008022:Ligaments / Q000473:pathology*; D008334:Mandible / Q000473:pathology*; D009999:Ossification, Heterotopic / Q000473:pathology*