Is there a relationship between Eagle Syndrome and cervicofacial painful soft tissue rheumatisms?
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the incidence of locomotor system pathologies such as myofacial pain syndrome (MPS), fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), and temporomandibular dysfunction in patients with Eagle Syndrome.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
Fourteen patients with Eagle Syndrome, who were treated surgically, were enrolled in the study. Etiologic factors for cervicofacial pain were assessed, pain status was compared preoperatively and postoperatively using visual analogue scale. Palpation of tonsillar fossa, neck and shoulder examination, neurologic examination, evaluation of occlusion status, trigger points, and painful zones were done. Plain anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of the cervical spine were obtained and the lengths of the transverse processes of the seventh cervical vertebrae were measured bilaterally.


RESULTS
MPS, FMS, and temporomandibular dysfunction were diagnosed in 9 (64.3%), 3 (21.4%), and 2 (14.3%) patients, respectively. Visual analogue scale scores decreased significantly after the surgical excision of elongated styloid processes (from 6.7 +/- 2.3 to 2.1 +/- 1.8), and all the complaints except for headache had diminished (P < .05). Lengths of transverse processes of seventh cervical vertebra were found to be correlated with the length of styloid process (right; r = 0.644, P = .024, left; r = 0.616, P = .033).


CONCLUSIONS
Cervicofacial pain is a common complaint in patients with Eagle Syndrome. It frequently coexists with rheumatic disorders resulting in chronic pain such as MPS and FMS. Even though Eagle Syndrome is a rare condition, it should be kept in mind in patients suffering from chronic cervicofacial pain that is refractory to treatment. Clinicians should be alert to diagnose and treat coexisting locomotor system disorders.
Zinnuroglu
Murat
M
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Gazi University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
Ural
Ahmet
A
Günendi
Zafer
Z
Meray
Jale
J
Köybaşoğlu
Ahmet
A
D000328:Adult; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005356:Fibromyalgia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D019547:Neck Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D009999:Ossification, Heterotopic / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012216:Rheumatic Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000473:pathology*; D013706:Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*