Publication:

Clinical correlation between palpability of styloid process with its length on CT scan

Background The aim of the study is to correlate the clinical palpability of the styloid process with its length which is determined by CT scan.

Methods A prospective study of 50 patients who presented to ENT OPD from January 2011 to January 2016 with cervicofacial pain and features of Eagle’s syndrome were clinically evaluated for elongated styloid process by palpating the tonsillar fossa. These patients were subjected to a detailed CT scan with coronal, axial and 3D cuts. The length of the styloid process in the CT scan was correlated with the clinical palpability of the styloid process.

Results It was noticed that only styloid process of length greater than 28 mm was clinically palpable. Correlation between the clinical palpability and the minimum length required was established in this study.

Conclusions Patients with cervicofacial pain should be evaluated for styalgia by imaging and clinically by palpating the tonsillar fossa.