Publication:

The incidence of elongated styloid process in chronic tonsillitis

Background The styloid process is a conical projection of the temporal bone lateral to the jugular foramen, and is of variable length. The objective of this study is to know the incidence of elongated styloid process in patients presenting with chronic tonsillitis, and whether x-ray Towne’s view should be part of preoperative evaluation.

Methods A prospective study was conducted on 160 patients who attended ENT OPD with symptoms of chronic tonsillitis. Towne’s view x-rays were taken and elongated styloid process looked for.

Results 73.4% of patients with chronic tonsillitis have associated elongated styloid process.

Conclusions X-ray Towne’s view should be considered as part of routine preoperative evaluation in patients with chronic tonsillitis.