Investigation of the incidence of stylohyoid ligament calcifications with panoramic radiographs.
OBJECTIVE
This study examined and classified patients who were treated at the Faculty of Dentistry at Ankara University Dentistry to determine the incidence of different types of stylohyoid ligament calcification (SLC) using panoramic radiographs. In addition, it also assessed the possible causative symptoms and Eagle's syndrome in cases of styloid process elongation.


METHODS
The study consisted of 2000 patients (1161 females and 839 males), aged 3-88 years, who were treated at our clinic. The panoramic radiographs were evaluated as part of this study.


RESULTS
Panoramic radiography examination revealed SLC in 1350 patients. Both-sided (right and left), type 1 SLC was observed in 345 patients, while types 2-4 were found in 203, 418, and 384 patients, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
The incidence of SLC was found to be higher in female patients when compared to male patients. In addition, calcifications were seen more often at age 50-59 years, and the incidence of calcification was found to increase with age. Two Eagle's syndrome cases were diagnosed among a total of 2000 patients. Finally, it was determined that the incidence of calcified stylohyoid ligament is higher in patients with systemic diseases.
Department of Oral Diagnosis and Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Ankara University, Beşevler, Ankara, Turkey. oztas@dentistry.ankara.edu.tr
Bengi
B
Öztaş
Kaan
K
Orhan
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009999:Ossification, Heterotopic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic; D012737:Sex Factors; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014421:Turkey / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult