Complete Ossification of the Stylohyoid Chain as Cause of Eagle's Syndrome: A Very Rare Case Report

Abstract

ABSTRACT Aim To report on a patient with Eagle's syndrome with a complete and very large ossification of the stylohyoid complex on the right side that to our best knowledge has never been published previously. Background Eagle's syndrome is characterized by a set of symptoms that are caused by the irritation of the neurovascular and soft-tissues caused by an elongated styloid process or ossification of stylohyoid ligament. Case description Because of the high discomfort and pain degree as well as limitations of mandibular and head mobility and also the thickness of the ossified stylohyoid chain, the patient was treated surgically by removing the hypertrophic segment. Conclusion These symptoms subsided completely after the surgical excision of the anomaly. The elongated styloid process on the left side was symptom free. Clinical significance Eagle's syndrome symptoms are not specific and can mimic those of other disorders, the syndrome must be included in the differential diagnosis of patients with pain in the orofacial, pharyngeal and cervical area. How to cite this article Guimarães AS, Pozza DH, de Castro IC, Galdames ICS, Palla S. Complete Ossification of the Stylohyoid Chain as Cause of Eagle's Syndrome: A Very Rare Case Report. J Contemp Dent Pract 2014;15(4):500-505.