title: Cone-beam computed tomographic evaluation of styloid process: a retrospective study of 208 patients with orofacial pain.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of this study was to assess the structural characteristics of styloid process (SP) by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) examination in a patient population suffering from orofacial pain. The second aim was to assess the prevalence of elongated SP and its relation to gender, site and subjective symptoms in the study population.
  
  
  METHODS
  Clinical and radiographic records of 208 patients were evaluated retrospectively. Radiological examinations including measurements of the structure, length, and medial angulations of SP were performed on CBCT images.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Out of 208 patients, 96 (46%) had not-elongated SP, 28 (13%) had left side, 16 (8%) had right side, and 68 (33%) had bilateral elongation of SP. The patients with elongated SP had significantly decreased angle values. There were no statistically significant differences in length values of SP between males and females in both groups. Significantly increased prevalence of symptoms except headache was observed in patients with elongated SP.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study presents the CBCT as an alternative method to CT or panoramic radiographs for the measurement and the assessment of the styloid process. Patients suffering from orofacial pain, who also had elongated SP, had increased rate of corresponding neurological complaints compared with non-elongated ones.
authors: Haluk
authors: H
authors: Oztunç
authors: Burcu
authors: B
authors: Evlice
authors: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Çukurova University, Adana, Turkey. dr.ufuktatli@gmail.com.
authors: Ufuk
authors: U
authors: Tatli
authors: Ahmet
authors: A
authors: Evlice
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; D005157:Facial Pain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009999:Ossification, Heterotopic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology