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.
Department of Anatomy, National College of Chiropractic, Lombard, Illinois 60148, USA.
M L
ML
Kiely
D R
DR
Sawyer
J M
JM
Gowgiel
D006801:Humans; D006928:Hyoid Bone / Q000473:pathology*; D008022:Ligaments / Q000473:pathology*; D008334:Mandible / Q000473:pathology*; D009999:Ossification, Heterotopic / Q000473:pathology*